LONDON — Unauthorized drone activity triggered a security intervention at a U.S. base in Britain, but the situation has been “resolved,” U.S. and British defense officials said Friday.
Security forces at Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath in eastern England responded to suspected unauthorized drone activity, but no personnel, aircraft or infrastructure were affected, U.S. Air Force Europe said in a statement.
“We continue to work closely with our host nation counterparts to ensure the safety and security of our U.S. service members, U.S. and host nation civilians, contractors, and all of our families,” the statement said.
A spokesperson for the British Ministry of Defense said the incident had been “resolved”. U.S. Air Force security personnel responded to the reports, and the British ministry is working closely with the Americans to determine what happened, according to the spokesperson, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive security matters.
The drone incident means that three American bases in the United Kingdom have been hit by threats in recent weeks. Friday’s security response at RAF Lakenheath comes just days after The United States has moved more than a dozen planes from another base a few miles away in eastern England – RAF Mildenhall – due to a threat.
During the exodus of aircraft, RAF Mildenhall also raised its alert level to FPCON Charlie – the second highest level, used when an incident occurs or when intelligence is received indicating that some form of terrorist action targeting personnel or installations is likely.
A U.S. official said at the time that the decision to move the plane was proactive rather than reactive.
A few weeks ago, a a group of men were arrested after three suspicious vans were spotted heading towards RAF Fairford, around 150 miles west of Mildenhall and Lakenheath. British authorities linked the plot to Iranand the United States withdrew its bombers who was stationed there.
The British base was used by American bombers during decades of conflicts in the Middle East, including Iranian War. Other arrests followed, and at least three men were charged with a plot to attack RAF Fairford.
Also this week, a U.S. Army officer assigned to a NATO unit at a military base near Gloucester, England, was arrested on suspicion of espionage for Russia. Police said the arrest was not linked to other counterterrorism investigations, indicating it has no connection to the alleged terrorist acts. Iran-related conspiracy at RAF Fairford, also near Gloucester.
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Toropin reported from Washington.
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