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The United States has withdrawn all of its bombers from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England, sending the aircraft back to their home stations in the US following a suspected terrorist plot targeting the British airbase.
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The Pentagon confirmed that the redeployed fleet included B-1 bombers, while other reports said B-2 and B-52 aircraft had also been operating from the facility.
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The withdrawal comes days after six people were arrested in connection with the investigation around the base. Five British men in their 20s were initially arrested on September 27 over suspected explosives offences and preparation of a terrorist act.
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A sixth suspect, a dual British-Iranian national, was arrested in London on October 1 on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. All six have subsequently been released on bail while investigations continue.
October 05, (THEWILL) – The United States has withdrawn its B-1 bombers and other bomber aircraft from RAF Fairford in Britain following a suspected terrorist plot targeting the military facility, amid heightened concerns over the security of US personnel and strategic assets stationed there.
The Pentagon confirmed on Sunday that all US bombers deployed to RAF Fairford had been redeployed to their home stations in the United States.
The move included a dozen B-1 bombers that had been operating from the Gloucestershire base. Aviation monitoring data showed B-1 aircraft leaving Fairford on Sunday.
The US military, however, stopped short of directly linking the withdrawal to the suspected terror plot, citing operational security and routine global force-readiness requirements.
A Pentagon statement said US Air Force bombers routinely operate around the world to support global force readiness and operational requirements, adding that the service’s B-1, B-2 and B-52 crews remained capable of conducting precision strikes from the continental United States.
The development followed a major security operation at Fairford on September 27 after British police received reports of suspicious vehicles and individuals near the base.
Five British men, aged between 23 and 25, were arrested in the Whelford area near the airbase on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and preparation of a terrorist act. Counter Terrorism Policing later confirmed that the men were released on police bail but remained under investigation.
Police said extensive examinations of the vehicles found no improvised explosive devices, although a quantity of petrol was recovered.
THEWILL reports that the investigation widened last Thursday, after counter-terrorism officers arrested a 27-year-old dual British-Iranian national in Westminster, London, on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. Another British was also questioned under caution, while two properties were searched.
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Background
The Fairford investigation began on September 27 when British authorities responded to reports of suspicious vehicles and people close to the airbase.
Counter Terrorism Policing described the investigation as “hugely complex” and said specialist teams were pursuing multiple lines of inquiry. Authorities have maintained heightened security around the facility while investigating the circumstances and possible motive behind the incident.
RAF Fairford is a British-owned facility that has hosted US strategic bombers during major military operations. Its location and infrastructure make it an important forward operating location for American long-range aircraft.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
