Trump says 'threat' led US to pull bombers from RAF Fairford

US President Donald Trump confirmed that American bombers were relocated from RAF Fairford in the UK due to specific security threats. The move follows the arrest of several individuals near the base and ongoing investigations by counter-terror police.
Why it matters
The relocation of strategic military assets due to security threats highlights heightened geopolitical tensions and potential vulnerabilities at key international military installations.
Image source, Reuters By Henry Moore Published 5 October 2026, 20:55 BST Updated 6 minutes ago US President Donald Trump has said the United States moved its bombers out of RAF Fairford because of "some threats" to the base.
The Pentagon confirmed on Sunday it had removed its bombers - thought to be about a dozen B-1s - from the base back to their home stations in America.
Speaking to reporters as he departed for Nebraska on Monday, Trump said the US knew of a "threat", which led them to move the bombers.
Earlier on Monday, a No 10 spokesperson had insisted RAF Fairford was safe and pointed to Trump's comments last week, where he praised "our police, defence and security services" in relation to the base.
What prompted the US bombers to leave RAF Fairford?
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