The US Air Force has withdrawn all 12 B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire following new threats of an alleged Iran-backed plot, according to two US officials speaking on Sunday.
The bombers were evacuated from the Gloucestershire air base over the weekend, with the urgency deemed critical. Some planes and their flight crews departed while aerial refuelling aircraft were still being mobilised to support their flights, the NY Times reports.
Planes return to home base
The officials revealed that at least three of the planes had touched down at their home base in South Dakota by Sunday.
The Pentagon's European Command confirmed the bombers' departure from England but declined to comment on any fresh warnings.
Investigation into RAF Fairford incident
On Saturday, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) announced that a sixth man detained in relation to events at RAF Fairford had been released on bail.
The 25-year-old, who holds dual UK-Iranian nationality, was arrested on suspicion of preparing 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 sighted near the military site last weekend.
Pentagon confirms 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 official added: "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 described as 'hugely complex'
Senior CTP national co-ordinator Vicki Evans previously described the investigation as "hugely complex", explaining that specialist teams were "interrogating multiple lines of inquiry".
She added: "As we've made clear, we're looking at all possible angles - including possible foreign state involvement."
Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated there were "strong indications" that Iran played a part in the incident.
The air base has been utilised by US bombers in recent months after former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer granted the US permission to use British bases for "defensive" strikes against Tehran during the Middle East war.
