The United States has withdrawn its B-1 bombers from an airbase in the United Kingdom following the arrest of several individuals suspected of planning terrorist activities, as confirmed by a Pentagon spokesperson. The bombers were stationed at RAF Fairford air base, located northwest of London, and had been utilized for U.S. operations targeting Iran.
A Pentagon official stated that due to operational security reasons, real-time confirmation of asset movements was not possible. However, it is now acknowledged that all U.S. bombers deployed at RAF Fairford have returned to their home bases in the United States.
According to British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, there are “strong indications” of Iran’s involvement in a suspected plot aimed at the airbase. In response, Iran dismissed the accusations as unfounded and summoned the British ambassador in Tehran to address the issue.
Reports from The Wall Street Journal indicated that the removal of the aircraft from the base was prompted by security concerns related to alleged terror threats against the facility. The British government had previously granted permission for the U.S. to utilize bombers stationed at Fairford for operations targeting Iranian missile installations that posed a threat to ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo both expressed concerns about the severity of the planned attack, with Trump mentioning potential “big damage” and Pompeo suggesting the involvement of a foreign entity in the plot.