US Air Force withdraws bombers from RAF Fairford following terror investigation
The United States Air Force has withdrawn its fleet of B-1 bombers from the RAF Fairford military base in Gloucestershire, England, following the discovery of a suspected terrorist plot targeting the facility. The Pentagon confirmed that all aircraft have returned to their home bases in the United States, although officials initially provided limited information regarding the reasoning behind the sudden redeployment.
The investigation began in late September after British authorities responded to a security incident involving three suspicious vehicles discovered near the base. Although no explosives were found in the vehicles, police recovered a quantity of fuel. Six individuals, including five British nationals and one dual British-Iranian citizen, were subsequently arrested on suspicion of preparing acts of terrorism. All six suspects have since been released on bail while the investigation continues.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has publicly linked the incident to Iran, citing strong evidence of involvement; however, Tehran has categorically denied any role in the matter. RAF Fairford serves as a key forward operating base for the US Global Strike Command, and this sudden withdrawal marks the conclusion of recent operations involving the bombers. Authorities continue to treat the matter as an active security investigation.