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The United States quickly withdrew 12 B-1 bomber planes from RAF Fairford in southern England following fresh security warnings about a suspected Iranian-backed plot against the military installation, according to U.S. officials cited by the New York Times.
The withdrawal took place over the weekend and was described as highly unusual because the planes were moved from an allied base thousands of kilometers from an active combat zone with exceptional speed.
The New York Times reported that the urgency was such that some B-1 bombers and their crews departed before the aerial refueling planes needed to support their return flights to the United States had been fully positioned. According to officials, at least three of the attackers had reached their base in South Dakota on Sunday.
The Pentagon later confirmed that all US bombers deployed at RAF Fairford had returned to their home stations in the US. He did not publicly confirm that the withdrawal was specifically triggered by an Iranian threat, citing operational security concerns.
“U.S. Air Force bombers routinely operate around the world to support global force readiness and operational requirements,” a Pentagon official said, adding that American bomber crews remained ready to conduct missions from bases in the continental United States.
The US bombing force at Fairford included B-1 aircraft, while the Pentagon statement also referred to B-2 and B-52 bombers as part of America’s broader strategic bombing capability. However, the dozen or so planes at the center of the latest retirement were B-1B Lancers.
The sudden departure came about a week after British authorities launched a counter-terrorism investigation following the arrest of five men near RAF Fairford.
Police responded to suspicious vans near the base and found petrol in the vehicles, although no explosive devices were discovered. The five men were later released on bail.
A sixth person, a 25-year-old dual British-Iranian citizen, was later arrested in London on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. He was also released on bail as detectives continued to look into the incident.
British counter-terrorism authorities have said they are considering all possible explanations, including the potential involvement of a foreign state. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were strong indications that Iran was involved, while Tehran denied any responsibility.
RAF Fairford has played an important role in US military operations involving Iran. The Gloucestershire base was used by American bombers to conduct missions against Iranian targets and was a major forward operating point for US strategic aircraft in Europe.
Use of the base by US bombers has already attracted threats from Iran. Throughout the conflict, Iranian officials and state-linked media have described bases used to launch attacks on Iran as legitimate targets.
The withdrawal, however, does not mean that the United States has lost the ability to conduct long-range bombing operations against Iran or elsewhere.
The Pentagon stressed that B-1, B-2 and B-52 crews remain ready to carry out global missions from US bases.
The development comes as the United States continues to evaluate its military posture towards Iran. President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington is considering further action, while US forces have maintained a significant military presence in the Middle East.
For now, British authorities continue to investigate the alleged plot around RAF Fairford, while the United States has moved its remaining bombers away from the installation.
Neither the Pentagon nor British authorities have publicly disclosed the specific information that led to the rapid withdrawal.
The US bombing force at Fairford included B-1 aircraft, while the Pentagon statement also referred to B-2 and B-52 bombers as part of America’s broader strategic bombing capability. However, the dozen or so planes at the center of the latest retirement were B-1B Lancers.
The sudden departure came about a week after British authorities launched a counter-terrorism investigation following the arrest of five men near RAF Fairford.
Police responded to suspicious vans near the base and found petrol in the vehicles, although no explosive devices were discovered. The five men were later released on bail.
A sixth person, a 25-year-old dual British-Iranian citizen, was later arrested in London on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. He was also released on bail as investigators continued to look into the incident.
British counter-terrorism authorities have said they are considering all possible explanations, including the potential involvement of a foreign state. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were strong indications that Iran was involved, while Tehran denied any responsibility.
RAF Fairford has played an important role in US military operations involving Iran. The Gloucestershire base was used by American bombers to conduct missions against Iranian targets and was a major forward operating point for US strategic aircraft in Europe.
Use of the base by US bombers has already attracted threats from Iran. Throughout the conflict, Iranian officials and state-linked media have described bases used to launch attacks on Iran as legitimate targets.
The withdrawal, however, does not mean that the United States has lost the ability to conduct long-range bombing operations against Iran or elsewhere. The Pentagon stressed that B-1, B-2 and B-52 crews remain ready to carry out global missions from US bases.
The development comes as the United States continues to evaluate its military posture towards Iran. President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington is considering further action, while US forces have maintained a significant military presence in the Middle East.
For now, British authorities continue to investigate the alleged plot around RAF Fairford, while the United States has moved its remaining bombers away from the installation. Neither the Pentagon nor British authorities have publicly disclosed the specific information that led to the rapid withdrawal.
