The US has withdrawn all 12 B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after fresh terror threats, according to two US officials speaking on Sunday. The evacuation was considered extremely urgent, with some aircraft and their crews departing while aerial refuelling planes were still being scrambled to facilitate their flights, the New York Times reports.
The officials further revealed 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 British soil but refused to elaborate on any fresh intelligence warnings.
Arrests and bail in connection with RAF Fairford incidents
On Saturday, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) confirmed 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 arrested 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 and then bailed. Three suspicious vans were spotted in the vicinity of the military installation last weekend.
Pentagon statement on bomber redeployment
A Pentagon official stated on Sunday: "US Air Force bombers routinely operate around the world to support global force readiness and operational requirements."
"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."
Investigation and possible foreign state involvement
Senior CTP national co-ordinator Vicki Evans had previously described the investigation as "hugely complex", adding 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."
Prime Minister Andy Burnham revealed 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 ongoing Middle East conflict.
