The United States has withdrawn all of its bombers from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, Britain, amid heightened security concerns following a suspected terrorist plot near the military base.
The Pentagon confirmed that all US bombers deployed to RAF Fairford had returned to their home stations in the United States. The aircraft had included B-1 bombers, which had been operating from the base during the conflict involving Iran.
The sudden redeployment came after five British men were arrested near the base on September 27 on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences. A sixth suspect, a 25-year-old dual British-Iranian national, was arrested in London on October 1 on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. All six have since been released on bail.
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US Vice President JD Vance said the decision to move the bombers was taken as a precaution.
“So, what you saw there is the Secretary of War, out of an abundance of caution, trying to protect our guys,” Vance said.
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However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the redeployment should not automatically be linked to the arrests near the base.
“I wouldn’t directly tie that to the move that was made,” Rubio said, adding that the US regularly reallocates military resources and carries out aircraft rotations.
His comments add uncertainty over the precise reason for the timing of the withdrawal.
Reports have emerged of concerns about a possible further attack against RAF Fairford, including claims of a potential drone threat.
However, neither the US nor British authorities has publicly confirmed that a mass drone attack was planned or imminent.
A NATO military source told Reuters that Iran was still considered an acute threat to US assets in the UK. Tehran has denied involvement in the suspected plot.
The Pentagon said the US bomber force remained capable of conducting global strike missions from other locations.
BRITISH AUTHORITIES CONTINUE INVESTIGATION
The British investigation into the events around RAF Fairford remains ongoing.
Counter Terrorism Policing Senior National Coordinator Vicki Evans previously described the investigation as “hugely complex” and said officers were examining multiple possible explanations.
“We’re looking at all possible angles — including possible foreign state involvement,” Evans said.
Police said no explosive devices were found in the suspicious vehicles involved in the September 27 incident, although petrol was recovered.
The arrests prompted heightened security around RAF Fairford, which is an important base for US heavy bombers operating in Europe.
Downing Street Says Base Remains Safe
Despite the US decision to withdraw its aircraft, the British government has said RAF Fairford remains secure.
Asked on Monday whether the base was safe, the UK prime minister’s spokesperson answered: “Yes.” The spokesperson declined to comment on the United States’ military decision.
The withdrawal has nevertheless highlighted continuing security concerns surrounding the base, particularly amid tensions between the United States, Britain and Iran.
