US pulls bombers out of RAF Fairford following security incident

American decision was taken at an operational military level rather than as a political move, and was communicated by the US military to its British counterparts

By Njoku Vincent

The United States has withdrawn all its bombers from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, following a security incident at the British military facility that is being investigated by counter-terrorism police.

A US Department official confirmed that the bombers had been moved from the base and returned to their home stations in America.

Although Washington did not disclose the reason for the withdrawal, British government sources have indicated that the decision was connected to the incident at the base on September 27.

The incident began after police received reports of three suspicious vehicles near the US-operated airbase.

Five men, aged between 23 and 25 and all UK nationals from London, were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.

They were subsequently released on police bail, with authorities describing the move as part of an ongoing investigative strategy.

A sixth suspect, a 25-year-old UK-Iranian national, was arrested in London on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. He was also later released on bail.

Sources said the American decision was taken at an operational military level rather than as a political move, and was communicated by the US military to its British counterparts.

The UK Ministry of Defence has not commented on the withdrawal.

The development comes amid heightened concerns over possible Iranian involvement. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham had earlier said there were “strong indications” that Iran was linked to the incident, without providing further details.

Iran has strongly denied the allegation.

RAF Fairford has served as a forward operating location for the US Air Force for decades and has recently been used by American bombers operating in the Middle East.

The UK had approved a US request to use the facility for defensive operations against Iran.

Iran had previously warned that any base used to launch attacks against its territory would be considered a legitimate target.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said the incident appeared to involve a foreign actor, but declined to provide details, citing the sensitivity of the investigation.