The United States has withdrawn all of its bombers from RAF Fairford following reports of a new security threat against the military base, as Downing Street insisted the site remains safe.
The Pentagon confirmed on Sunday that its bombers stationed at the Gloucestershire base had been returned to their home stations in the United States. Around a dozen B-1 bombers are believed to have been affected.
The withdrawal follows a major security incident at RAF Fairford on 27 September, when police were alerted to three suspicious vehicles near the base.
Five men were initially arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences and later released on bail. A sixth man, described as a UK-Iranian national, was subsequently arrested and also released on bail.
The incident is being investigated by counter-terrorism police.
US media reported that American military commanders received new intelligence concerning a possible Iran-backed plot targeting RAF Fairford.
According to the New York Times, citing two US officials, the latest intelligence formed part of threat warnings received several weeks ago. However, commanders reportedly decided to act after more specific information emerged within the past 24 hours.
Whitehall sources have not disputed reports that the withdrawal was connected to the security incident.
The BBC understands that removing the aircraft was a military rather than political decision, taken at an operational level and communicated by the US military to its British counterparts.
Downing Street Says RAF Fairford Remains Safe
Downing Street sought to reassure the public following confirmation of the US withdrawal.
A Number 10 spokesperson declined to comment directly on the military operations of another country but maintained that RAF Fairford remained safe.
The spokesperson pointed to comments from US President Donald Trump praising British police, defence and security services for their response to the situation.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has also said Britain has established procedures for protecting military installations both at home and overseas.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham previously said there were strong indications that Iran had played a role in the September incident, although he did not disclose further details.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio separately said the incident appeared to involve a foreign actor.
Iran has strongly denied involvement.
Tehran had previously warned in July that any military base used to support attacks against Iranian territory could be considered a legitimate target for Iranian forces.
Strategic US Air Base in Britain
RAF Fairford, located in the Cotswolds near the village of Whelford, has been used by the United States Air Force as a forward operating location for decades.
Its long runway and infrastructure allow the base to accommodate some of America’s largest strategic aircraft, including B-1 and B-52 bombers.
In recent months, US bombers have operated from RAF Fairford in connection with operations in the Middle East after Britain approved an American request to use the base for defensive strikes against Iran.
The removal of the bombers does not mean RAF Fairford has been closed or abandoned by the United States, but it represents a significant operational response while authorities continue investigating the security threat.
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