US removes all bombers from RAF Fairford back to home stations
The US military has withdrawn its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in the UK following reports of a potential security threat. The decision follows a series of arrests near the base involving individuals suspected of terror-related activities.
Why it matters
The withdrawal highlights heightened security concerns and potential geopolitical tensions involving Iran and Western military assets.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Cachella Smith and Vicky Wong Getty Images A Rockwell B1 Lancer heavy bomber takes off to depart for home at RAF Fairford on Sunday The US has withdrawn all of its bombers from RAF Fairford, the UK military base at the centre of an incident being investigated by counter-terror police.
A statement from a Pentagon official 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.
US media reported a new threat led to the bombers being removed, which follows a major incident on 27 September when police were alerted to three "suspicious vehicles" near the airbase.
Five men were initially arrested on suspicion of terror offences and subsequently released on bail. A sixth man, a UK-Iranian national, was also later arrested and released on bail.
Also covering this story
8 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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