
The United States has decided to withdraw its bomber aircraft from the Royal Air Force (RAF) Fairford base in the UK due to fears of a "potential attack."
The decision follows the recent local police arrest of several individuals accused of plotting a "terrorist attack" on the US-utilized RAF facility.
According to several US media reports, emergency bomber relocation procedures were initiated immediately, and the B-1 bombers stationed at Fairford have already departed for the United States.
In a statement to Al Jazeera, a Pentagon spokesperson said, "For operational security reasons, we were unable to immediately confirm the movement of our military equipment and forces.
However, we now confirm that all US bomber aircraft deployed to RAF Fairford have returned to their home bases in the United States."
The spokesperson added, "America's bomber fleet operators—including B-1, B-2, and B-52 aircraft—remain fully prepared to launch and execute precision long-range strikes anytime, anywhere, including taking off and landing directly from the US mainland."
RAF Fairford, located approximately 160 kilometers west of London, had been serving as a transit hub for bomber aircraft since US-Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28.
The military base has recently drawn significant international attention.
On September 27, UK police arrested five individuals on suspicion of conspiring to plant explosives near the base.
British investigators initially suggested that Iran might be behind the plot, though Tehran has denied any such involvement.
The detained individuals were released without charges the following day. While investigators found petrol in their van, no explosive devices were recovered.
British officials stated that their investigation remains ongoing.
Last Thursday, British police announced the arrest of a 25-year-old British-Iranian dual national in London on suspicion of plotting an attack on Fairford.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham indicated last week that "Iran had a role" in the alleged plot, though he did not provide further details.


