London, Oct 05 (V7N)- The United States has withdrawn all of its bombers deployed at Britain's RAF Fairford air base and returned them to their home stations in the US, the Pentagon said, following a suspected terrorist plot near the facility.
Around a dozen B-1 bombers had been operating from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The base has been used by the US military for operations against Iran during the ongoing conflict.
A Pentagon spokesperson said operational security had prevented the military from confirming the movement of its aircraft in real time. The official later confirmed that all US bombers deployed at Fairford had been redeployed to their home bases in the United States.
The withdrawal came about a week after five British men were arrested near the base on suspicion of terrorism and explosives-related offences. A sixth man, a dual British-Iranian national, was subsequently arrested in connection with the investigation. All six suspects have since been released on bail as the investigation continues.
British authorities have been investigating possible links to Iran. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were “strong indications” of Iranian involvement in the suspected plot. Tehran has denied any connection to the incident and rejected the allegations.
The arrests followed reports of suspicious vehicles near the military facility. Police subsequently searched the vehicles but did not find explosives, according to British authorities.
RAF Fairford has played an important role in US military operations during the conflict with Iran. US B-1 bombers based there have been used for missions against Iranian targets, making the facility a significant part of Washington's regional military operations.
US President Donald Trump previously said those involved in the suspected plot had intended to cause significant damage. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also indicated that authorities believed a foreign party may have been involved, without publicly establishing responsibility.
The Pentagon has not said that the withdrawal represents a permanent change to US operations from Britain. The aircraft were returned to US bases while British and US authorities continue to assess the security situation surrounding RAF Fairford.
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