US Withdraws All Bombers From RAF Fairford After Security Concerns
The United States has withdrawn all of its bombers deployed at RAF Fairford in Britain and redeployed them to their home bases in the US, the Pentagon confirmed.
The move comes amid heightened security concerns following a suspected terrorist plot targeting the military base in Gloucestershire.
All Bombers Sent Back to US
A Pentagon spokesperson said all US bombers deployed to RAF Fairford had now returned to their home stations in the United States.
Around 12 B-1B Lancer bombers had been stationed at the base before the withdrawal. The aircraft had been used in US military operations against Iran.
The Pentagon said the withdrawal did not affect the overall readiness of the US bomber force, stressing that American bombers can conduct long-range operations from bases inside the United States.
Security Threats Around Base
The withdrawal follows arrests linked to a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford.
British authorities arrested several people in connection with the investigation. A UK-Iranian national was also arrested in London on suspicion of preparing a terrorist attack.
British officials have said there are indications of possible Iranian involvement. Tehran has denied the allegations.
Fairford's Role in Iran Operations
RAF Fairford has been an important forward operating location for US bombers in Europe.
The base was used during American military operations against Iran, allowing bombers to operate closer to the Middle East than they could from the continental United States.
The withdrawal therefore increases the distance US bombers would need to cover for potential operations in the region, although the Pentagon maintains that the aircraft remain capable of conducting long-range strikes.
The United States continues to maintain significant military forces in the Middle East as tensions with Iran remain high.
The sudden removal of the bombers is likely to draw further attention to security around US military facilities in Britain and Washington's wider military posture toward Iran.
Source attribution: Reuters, Associated Press, Pentagon and U.S. Air Force reporting.
UK Police Arrest Dual UK-Iranian Man in RAF Fairford Investigation
British counter-terrorism police have arrested a 27-year-old dual UK-Iranian national in London as part of an investigation into suspicious activity near RAF Fairford, a military airbase in western England that has been used by the United States for operations against Iran.
The man was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts, according to British counter-terrorism authorities. Police also searched two properties in London as investigators expanded their inquiry into the incident.
The arrest comes days after five British men in their 20s were detained near RAF Fairford over suspected terrorism and explosives offences. Those five men were subsequently released on bail while the investigation continued.
Investigation expands after five earlier arrests
The latest arrest represents a significant development in the investigation, which began after police received reports of suspicious activity close to RAF Fairford.
Five men were arrested on Sunday after three vans were reportedly seen near the airbase. A local farmer alerted authorities after observing suspicious activity in the area.
Police examined the vehicles and surrounding area as part of a major security operation. No explosives were found, although investigators discovered petrol in the vans, according to reporting on the case.
A sixth person, a 26-year-old British national, has also been interviewed under caution but was not arrested, Counter Terrorism Policing said.
The five men initially detained remain under investigation after being released on bail.
Possible foreign-state involvement being examined
British authorities have said they are examining multiple possible explanations for the incident, including possible involvement by a foreign state.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said there were what he described as strong indications that Iran may have played a role. However, that remains an allegation under investigation and has not been established by a court.
Iran has denied involvement in the incident and has rejected accusations linking Tehran to the suspected plot.
Counter Terrorism Policing's senior national coordinator, Vicki Evans, said investigators were pursuing several lines of inquiry and described the investigation as highly complex.
RAF Fairford's role in US military operations
RAF Fairford is located in Gloucestershire and has been used by the US military as an important base for long-range bomber operations.
The airbase has recently attracted particular attention because American aircraft based there have been involved in operations against Iran.
That role has increased its security significance amid heightened tensions between Iran, the UK and the United States.The security incident therefore prompted a major response from British authorities, with counter-terrorism officers and other specialist teams becoming involved.
Earlier suspects released on bail
The five men arrested near the airbase were later released on bail without being charged.Their release came as investigators continued examining evidence gathered from the vehicles and electronic devices. Police have not publicly established that the men were acting on behalf of any foreign government.
The latest arrest of the dual UK-Iranian national indicates that investigators are continuing to examine whether there were wider connections behind the suspicious activity.
However, being arrested on suspicion of an offence does not mean the individual has been charged or found guilty.
Police continue to investigate
British authorities have urged the public not to draw conclusions while the investigation is ongoing.
Investigators are examining whether the incident was connected to terrorism, whether there was any foreign-state involvement and whether the individuals involved had links to a wider network.
The Metropolitan Police and counter-terrorism authorities are coordinating the investigation, while British and US officials continue to monitor the security situation around RAF Fairford.
For now, authorities have not announced any formal charges against the newly arrested man.
The investigation remains active, and further arrests or charges could follow as police examine evidence gathered from the suspects and the locations searched in London.
Source attribution: This report is based on current reporting from Reuters and Associated Press, alongside statements attributed to British counter-terrorism authorities. Allegations concerning possible Iranian involvement remain under investigation, and Iran has denied involvement.