The United States has withdrawn all of its bombers from RAF Fairford in England and returned the aircraft to their home bases in the US, following a security scare at the military facility.
The Pentagon confirmed that all American bombers deployed to the Gloucestershire base had been redeployed to the United States.
The withdrawal comes days after British authorities arrested several people in connection with a suspected terrorist plot near RAF Fairford, a facility that has played an important role in US military operations against Iran.
Follow PenTalk News
Get breaking news, important updates and the latest stories directly on your phone.
The Pentagon did not publicly give a specific reason for the withdrawal, saying operational security prevented officials from discussing the movements of US military assets in real time.
The US decision followed the arrest of five British men near RAF Fairford on September 27 over suspected terrorism and explosives offences.
A sixth suspect, a 25-year-old dual British-Iranian national, was later arrested in London on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.
All six suspects have since been released on bail while investigations continue.
British authorities have raised concerns about possible Iranian involvement in the alleged plot, although Iran has denied any connection to the incident.
The security incident has increased scrutiny around RAF Fairford because of its importance to US military operations.
The base has hosted American B-1 bombers and other aircraft involved in operations connected to the conflict with Iran.
B-1 bombers return to US
Aircraft monitoring groups observed B-1 bombers leaving RAF Fairford on Sunday as the US began moving its bomber fleet back across the Atlantic.
Reports indicate that about a dozen B-1B Lancer bombers had been deployed at the base.
The Pentagon said the bombers remain capable of carrying out long-range missions despite their withdrawal from Britain.
“The Airmen that operate America’s bomber force, including B-1s, B-2s, and B-52s, remain ready to deliver precision global strike capabilities,” the US military said, stressing that such operations can be launched from bases in the continental United States.
The move therefore does not mean the United States has removed its bomber capability from the wider conflict.
Instead, the aircraft can continue to operate from American bases, although missions from the US would involve considerably longer flight distances.
The timing of the withdrawal has raised questions about Washington’s next move in the conflict with Iran.
US President Donald Trump has recently suggested that further military action against Iran remains possible, particularly if negotiations fail.
That has led to speculation that the bombers could eventually be redeployed to another location better suited to potential operations.
However, there is currently no public confirmation that the aircraft were withdrawn from RAF Fairford specifically to prepare for another attack on Iran.
The immediate security concerns surrounding the British base remain the clearest publicly reported explanation for the withdrawal.
The development nevertheless comes at a sensitive moment in the conflict, with Washington continuing to assess its military options and Iran warning against further attacks.
For now, the US bomber fleet is back in the United States, but the Pentagon has made clear that the aircraft remain ready for long-range operations if ordered.
Added source: The iPaper
