In brief
American forces have removed all B‑1 fighters from the RAF Fairford airbase after a police investigation into suspicious vehicles and terrorism suspects. The move follows the arrest and bail release of six men suspected of preparing terrorist acts. U.S. officials say the decision was operational and not political, while the U.K. maintains that the military decision was made at the operational level. The incident has reignited tensions with Iran, which the U.K. and U.S. accuse of involvement. The holiday period has seen an uptick in rapid counter‑terrorism responses worldwide.
US forces have flown all their B‑1 bombers out of the RAF Fairford base in Gloucestershire on Sunday, in the days after police were called to three suspicious vehicles near the airfield.
Whitehall sources confirm the decision was a purely operational one, made by U.S. military officials and communicated to their British counterparts. No threat to the safety of the bomber fleet was cited.
The move comes after counter‑terror police arrested and released on bail six men linked to the incident. Five of the men were UK nationals suspended for suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences, while a sixth, a UK‑Iranian national, was also released on bail.
The incident has reignited international debate. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were “strong indications” of Iranian involvement, a claim denied by Tehran. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also called the attack “clearly involving the hands of a foreign actor.”
Important to note: RAF Fairford has long been a forward operating location for U.S. aircraft, with B‑1s and B‑52s dispatched here for operations in the Middle East. In August, the U.K. approved a U.S. request to use the base for defensive strikes on Iran, a move that prompted a strong statement from Iranian officials about the base’s status as a potential target.
Additional reporting by Chris Partridge.
