US removes all bombers from RAF Fairford base
The US military has withdrawn all bombers from RAF Fairford in the UK following a security incident involving a suspected terror plot. Six men have been arrested in connection with the investigation, though all have been released on bail.
Why it matters
The withdrawal of strategic military assets from a key forward operating base highlights the impact of domestic security threats on international defense operations.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, 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The US has withdrawn all of its bombers from RAF Fairford, the British military base at the centre of an incident being investigated by counter terror police.
A statement from a US department official confirmed on Sunday it had removed all of its bombers from the base back to their home stations in America.
The US did not give a reason for the withdrawal, but it follows a major incident on 27 September when police were alerted to three "suspicious vehicles" near the airbase in Gloucestershire.
Five men were initially arrested on suspicion of terror offences near the base and subsequently released on police bail. A sixth man, a UK-Iranian national, was also later arrested and released on bail.
Also covering this story
4 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Dual UK-Iran national suspect in RAF Fairford bomb plot released
UK-Iranian dual national arrested over RAF Fairford investigation bailed
U.S. Air Force removes all bombers from British air base targeted by a suspected terror attack
US withdraws all bombers from UK's RAF Fairford after suspected terror plot
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