By Oxford Reporters
The United States has withdrawn all of its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom following heightened security concerns over a suspected terror plot targeting the military facility.
The withdrawal, reported by The Wall Street Journal and confirmed by the Pentagon, involves about a dozen B-1 bombers that had been stationed at the British air base northwest of London.
The aircraft had been used by the US military as part of its operations against Iran, making the decision to remove them from Fairford a significant development amid escalating tensions in the region.
US officials said the bombers had been redeployed to their home stations in the United States, although operational security prevented the Pentagon from confirming the movement of the aircraft while it was taking place.
The move came after several people were arrested in connection with a suspected plot targeting the RAF Fairford facility. British authorities have been investigating possible links between the alleged plot and Iran.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were “strong indications” that Iran was involved in the suspected attack plan. Tehran, however, has rejected the allegation and described the accusations as baseless.
The security concerns have placed additional pressure on the United States and Britain as military tensions with Iran remain high.
RAF Fairford has served as an important staging point for US bomber operations, particularly because of its strategic location and role in supporting American military missions in the Middle East.
The removal of the B-1 fleet therefore represents a notable adjustment to US military operations from the British base, even as Washington maintains a significant military presence in the wider Middle East.
The development also comes against the backdrop of continuing concerns over attacks against US military facilities and personnel as the conflict with Iran intensifies.
