US pulls B-1 bombers from UK air base amid security fears: What to know
The withdrawal of a dozen strategic B-1B bombers back to the US came amid heightened concerns about a potential Iranian-linked plot to attack the facility.
WASHINGTON — The US Air Force suddenly withdrew its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford Air Base in the UK this weekend amid concerns about a potential plot to target the aircraft, two officials confirmed to Al-Monitor.
Details of the security concerns were not immediately clear. But the decision to withdraw the 12 B-1B strategic bombers from the base west of London came after a security incident last Sunday in which five individuals were arrested near the airfield. The individuals were later released on bail but remain under investigation, authorities in the UK said.
Trump administration officials have alleged Iranian involvement in the incident, but have been tight-lipped about what, if any, intelligence they have indicating such. Prime Minister Andy Burnham last week backed up that claim, saying his government suspected Iran’s role in planning the incident. Iranian officials have denied any involvement.
The incident led police to order residents to evacuate dozens of civilian homes in Gloucestershire last Sunday after reports of three vehicles engaged in allegedly suspicious activity near the base.