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The United States has withdrawn all of its bombers deployed at RAF Fairford in Britain and redeployed them to their home bases in the US, the Pentagon confirmed.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.