US removes B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford after security incident

Bombers return to US bases
The United States has withdrawn all of its bombers from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, a UK base used by American forces during operations against Iran. A Pentagon official confirmed that the aircraft, believed to include around a dozen B-1 bombers, had been redeployed to their home stations in the United States.

Withdrawal follows terror investigation
The move comes days after a major security incident near RAF Fairford led to the arrest of five British men on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offences. A sixth man, a 25-year-old UK-Iranian national, was later arrested in London on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. All six have since been released on bail while the investigation continues.

Suspicious vehicles raised alarm
Police were called to the area on September 27 after reports of three suspicious vehicles and masked individuals close to the airbase. Armed officers arrested the five men and searches were carried out around the site. Petrol was found in vehicles linked to the suspects, but counter-terrorism police said no improvised explosive devices were discovered.

Possible Iran link investigated
British and US officials have raised questions about possible foreign involvement in the incident. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were strong indications that Iran may have played a role, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the incident appeared to involve a foreign actor. Iran has firmly denied any connection to the arrests.

US decision described as operational
The withdrawal has been described as a military and operational decision rather than a political one. The Pentagon said American bomber crews remain ready to conduct precision-strike missions from locations including the continental United States.

RAF Fairford’s strategic role
RAF Fairford has served as a forward operating location for the US Air Force for decades. In recent months, American B-1 and B-52 bombers have operated from the base as part of military operations linked to the conflict with Iran.

Bombers used in Iran operations
The B-1 aircraft based at Fairford had been involved in US operations against Iranian targets, including strikes linked to Iranian attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Britain had previously approved the use of the base for American defensive operations.

Iran had warned about US bases
Iran has previously warned that military facilities used to launch attacks against its territory could become legitimate targets. The warnings have heightened concerns about the security of RAF Fairford, given its role in supporting US military operations.

Suspects remain under investigation
The five men arrested near the base were released on bail following what British counter-terrorism officials described as an investigative decision. Police have stressed that the suspects remain under investigation and that the inquiry is complex.

Sixth suspect also released
The sixth suspect, a UK-Iranian national arrested in London, was also released on bail after counter-terrorism police questioned him. Searches of two London properties connected to the investigation have been completed.

US retains long-range strike capability
Although the withdrawal removes the bombers from RAF Fairford, the US military retains the ability to launch long-range missions from its home bases. The Pentagon said its bomber force remains capable of carrying out precision global strike operations.

Security concerns remain
The removal of the bombers highlights the security concerns surrounding a base that has become strategically important during the conflict with Iran. The investigation into the suspected plot remains ongoing, while authorities continue to examine whether any foreign actor was involved.