US bombers leave UK air base amid 'new threats': What we know so far

The United States has withdrawn all B-1 bombers from the British Royal Air Force (RAF) base at Fairford, according to a Pentagon official. The decision comes amid reports of a suspected terrorist plot involving five men arrested near the base, with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham suggesting the scheme may have been supported by Iran. The move follows recent U.S. airstrikes against Iranian missile sites in the Strait of Hormuz, during which Fairford served as a staging point. The withdrawal occurred one week after the arrests, which took place early on September 27. Five young British men were detained after being spotted running from three white vans near the base. British police stated no explosives were found, but a quantity of fuel was present. The anti-terrorism unit described the investigation as complex. A sixth individual, a dual UK-Iranian national, was also arrested on similar charges and released under bail. The incident remains largely unclear. A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed that all U.S. bombers deployed at Fairford have been redeployed back to American bases. The statement emphasized that the U.S. military’s ability to conduct precision strikes remains unaffected. The British Ministry of Defence declined to comment on the movement of U.S. aircraft. An NATO military official noted that this action would not impact the alliance’s defensive capabilities, stating that NATO’s readiness to respond to aggression remains unchanged. Iran has denied involvement in the alleged plot, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi calling the accusations unfounded. In a post on X, he criticized the release of suspects under bail, asserting that the focus was misplaced. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had previously declared the base a legitimate target. The U.S. military has not provided further details on the security concerns prompting the withdrawal, though initial reports suggested the move was related to potential threats to the base. RAF Fairford, located approximately 145 kilometers west of London, is one of the few European airfields capable of accommodating heavy bombers like the B-1. It played a key role in recent U.S. operations targeting Iranian infrastructure. The base has historically been central to U.S. military campaigns in the Middle East. The removal of the bombers marks a shift in operational posture, though the exact nature of the new threats remains undisclosed. U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the situation, stating that the alleged plot aimed to cause significant damage and could be connected to Iran. He expressed dissatisfaction with the decision to release the suspects under bail, saying he would not have done so. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with both sides accusing each other of supporting terrorism. The situation continues to evolve, with further developments expected.