The UK has been placed on alert over a fresh terror plot after the US military swiftly withdrew all bombers from RAF Fairford. At the weekend, the Air Force pulled out all 12 B-1 bombers from the Gloucestershire air base following new threats reportedly received regarding an Iran-backed plot, according to two US officials on Sunday.
Urgent departure from Gloucestershire base
The urgency to relocate the bombers was considered extremely pressing, with some aircraft and their flight crews remaining while aerial refuelling planes were still being scrambled to support their departures, reports the New York Times. The officials confirmed that at least three of the aircraft had touched down at their home base in South Dakota by Sunday.
The Pentagon's European Command acknowledged that the bombers had departed England but refused to comment on any new intelligence warnings. A Pentagon official stated on Sunday: "US Air Force bombers routinely operate around the world to support global force readiness and operational requirements."
Arrests and bail in connection with incidents
On Saturday, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) announced that a sixth man arrested in connection with incidents at RAF Fairford had been released on bail. The 25-year-old, a dual UK-Iranian national, was detained on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. Five British nationals, all in their mid-20s, were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism before being bailed.
Three suspicious vans were spotted in the vicinity of the military site last weekend. Senior CTP national co-ordinator Vicki Evans had previously described the investigation as "hugely complex", noting that specialist teams were "interrogating multiple lines of inquiry". She further stated: "As we've made clear, we're looking at all possible angles - including possible foreign state involvement."
Official statements and background
The Pentagon official added: "While operational security precluded us from confirming the movement of our assets and forces in real time, we can acknowledge now that all US bombers that were deployed to RAF Fairford have redeployed to their home stations in the United States. The airmen that operate America's bomber force, including B-1s, B-2s, and B-52s, remain ready to deliver precision global strike capabilities - including through operations that launch and recover from the continental United States - anywhere, anytime."
Prime Minister Andy Burnham indicated there were "strong indications" that Iran had played a role in the incident. The air base had been utilised by US bombers in recent months, following former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer's decision to grant the US permission to use British bases for "defensive" strikes against Tehran during the Middle East conflict.
