US bombers were quickly moved out of RAF Fairford after intelligence suggesting Iran was plotting a drone attack, it is claimed. American officials reportedly feared Iran could be planning an attack similar to Ukraine’s audacious Operation Spider’s Web.
Ukraine's Operation Spider's Web
The mission, in June last year, saw Ukraine target dozens of bombers at bases deep inside Russia after smuggling more than 100 drones into the country on lorries. The drones were then remotely launched from the vehicles, hitting 41 aircraft and destroying “at least” 13, according to Ukrainian intelligence.
The US removed all of its bombers, believed to be about a dozen B-1s, from RAF Fairford on Sunday.
Threats and Response
US officials said the attempted attack ordered by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) aimed to target the B-1s and kill American pilots at the Gloucestershire base, according to The Telegraph. Intelligence suggested a branch of the IRGC had recruited British nationals to carry out the attack.
The plot reportedly included a diversion in a nearby village as part of a multi-pronged attack. On Monday, Donald Trump said there were “some threats” that led to Washington pulling its bombers out of the base.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier sought to play down the withdrawal, suggesting it was a routine rotation. However, US Vice President JD Vance said the planes had been redeployed “out of an abundance of caution, trying to protect our guys”.
Ongoing Investigations
RAF Fairford had been hosting US bombers used in strikes against Iran. In July, Tehran said British bases used by American forces are “legitimate targets”.
Counter-terror police continue to investigate a suspected terror plot against the base last month, with a seventh man arrested. The 22-year-old British national was held on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts in Westminster, central London, on Tuesday, Counter-Terrorism Policing said.
Six suspects have already been arrested and released on bail after three suspicious vans were stopped near RAF Fairford on Sunday September 27.
