The US Air Force has reportedly withdrawn all 12 B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after new threats were received about an alleged Iran-backed plot
The UK has been put on high alert over a new terror threat following the US’s hasty removal of all bombers from RAF Fairford. Over the weekend, the Air Force evacuated all 12 B-1 bombers from the Gloucestershire air base in response to reported threats of an Iran -backed plot, according to two US officials on Sunday.
The urgency to relocate the bombers from the RAF base was deemed critical, with some planes and their flight crews departing while aerial refuelling aircraft were still being mobilised to support their flights, the NY Times reports.
The officials revealed that at least three of the planes had touched down at their home base in South Dakota by Sunday.
The Pentagon’s European Command confirmed the bombers’ departure from England but refrained from commenting on any fresh warnings.
On Saturday, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) announced that a sixth man detained in relation to events at RAF Fairford had been released on bail.
The 25-year-old, who holds dual UK-Iranian nationality, was arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
Five British nationals, all in their mid-20s, were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism before being bailed.
Three suspicious vans were sighted near the military site last weekend.
A Pentagon official stated on Sunday: “US Air Force bombers routinely operate around the world to support global force readiness and operational requirements.
“While operational security precluded us from confirming the movement of our assets and forces in real time, we can acknowledge now that all US bombers that were deployed to RAF Fairford have redeployed to their home stations in the United States.
“The airmen that operate America’s bomber force, including B-1s, B-2s, and B-52s, remain ready to deliver precision global strike capabilities – including through operations that launch and recover from the continental United States – anywhere, anytime.”
Senior CTP national co-ordinator Vicki Evans previously described the investigation as “hugely complex”, explaining that specialist teams were “interrogating multiple lines of inquiry”.
She added: “As we’ve made clear, we’re looking at all possible angles – including possible foreign state involvement.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated there were “strong indications” that Iran played a part in the incident.
The air base has been utilised by US bombers in recent months after former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer granted the US permission to use British bases for “defensive” strikes against Tehran during the Middle East war.