Every U.S. Air Force bomber stationed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire has been flown back to the United States following a suspected terror plot that officials say may be tied to Iran, according to U.S. officials.
About a dozen B-1 bombers were among the aircraft pulled from the base, a U.S. official told Fox News. RAF Fairford is the only forward operating location in Europe for American heavy bombers, making it a site of particular strategic importance.
“We can acknowledge now that all U.S. bombers that were deployed to RAF Fairford have re-deployed to their home stations in the United States,” a department official said.
The Pentagon said the move does not diminish the fleet’s readiness. Bombers can still launch long-range strike missions straight from the continental United States if required.
“The Airmen that operate America’s bomber force, including B-1s, B-2s, and B-52s, remain ready to deliver precision global strike capabilities – including through operations that launch and recover from the continental United States – anywhere, anytime,” the official said.
RAF Fairford has previously supported U.S. military operations, including missions targeting sites in Iran.
What happened at the base
Last Sunday, U.K. officials said three suspicious vehicles containing fuel accelerants were discovered near RAF Fairford.
“We can confirm that no improvised explosive devices were found. However, a quantity of petrol was recovered,” officials said.
Investigators began examining possible links to Iranian state proxies, and a British-Iranian dual national was arrested “on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the suspected plot “clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor.” President Donald Trump also told reporters last week that the incident may be connected to Iran, a country the United States has been at war with since February.
Six arrested, all released on bail
Six people in total were arrested in connection with the incident, including five British nationals in their early 20s. Police have since said all suspects have been released on bail, though the investigation is ongoing.
“I understand why this development will have come as a surprise to many, but I’d like to reiterate that it was an investigative decision, and one which is grounded in experience and careful consideration of policing powers,” officials said of the decision to release the five British nationals.
