The Pentagon announced on Sunday that all United States B-1 bombers stationed at Britain’s RAF Fairford have returned to their home bases in the US. The withdrawal follows a security incident that previously triggered evacuations of nearby residences and the arrest of five individuals.
According to a Pentagon spokesman, while operational security prevents real-time confirmation of troop movements, officials can now verify that the aircraft deployed to the Gloucestershire airbase have been re-deployed. The move comes approximately one week after British authorities arrested five men from London on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts at the facility.
Local police had declared a major incident last Sunday, leading to the evacuation of homes near the base. Officers searched the premises and surrounding areas but found no explosives. The five suspects were subsequently released on bail as the investigation continues.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated on Wednesday that authorities have “strong indications” linking Iran to the suspected plot. Tehran has denied the accusations, labeling them baseless and summoning the British ambassador to its capital to protest the claims.
The B-1B Lancer bombers, of which a dozen were based at Fairford, had been utilized for US strikes against Iranian targets. The UK government had permitted the use of the base for operations targeting Iranian missile sites attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
President Donald Trump stated that those involved in the alleged scheme intended to cause “big damage,” while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pointed to the involvement of “a foreign actor.” The initial report of the aircraft’s removal was made by the Wall Street Journal, citing security concerns related to the terror plot.
Five men arrested with no explosives found. Seems like a lot of alarm for nothing.
Is this the end of the US-UK military cooperation? Or just a temporary setback?
Iran’s involvement is worrying. The region is already tense enough without this.
Good riddance. Sending weapons capable of striking Iran to a base near London was never a smart move.