US Withdraws Bomber Aircraft From British Base Amid Terror Threat

WASHINGTON: The United States has withdrawn all of its bomber aircraft from the Royal Air Force Fairford base in Britain and returned them to their respective home bases in the US, according to reports.

The US had deployed B-52 and B-1 bombers at RAF Fairford for operations related to the conflict with Iran.

According to Arab media reports, the move came amid an investigation into an alleged plan for a terrorist attack targeting the base.

A Pentagon official confirmed that the bombers had been moved from Fairford back to their home bases in the United States. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to discuss sensitive military movements.

Aviation monitors reported that dozens of B-52 and B-1 bombers had been operating from RAF Fairford since the early stages of the conflict with Iran. Several B-1 bombers were reportedly seen leaving the base.

The development comes as US President Donald Trump considers Washington’s next steps regarding the conflict with Iran, including the possibility of further attacks. Trump said Iran had already suffered significant damage and that a decision would be made on whether the situation would be resolved through an easier or more difficult approach.

Meanwhile, British authorities last week arrested a dual British-Iranian national in central London on suspicion of planning a possible terrorist attack. The arrest followed a security incident at RAF Fairford in late September.

A total of six people have reportedly been detained and later released on bail during the investigation. British authorities have suggested a possible link between the incident and Iran, while Tehran has denied any involvement.

Located about 160 kilometres west of London, RAF Fairford has long served as an important base for US bomber aircraft during American military operations in the Middle East.

The United States continues to maintain a significant military presence in the region. According to US officials, the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier and the USS Makin Island amphibious ready group are also heading towards the region.

The two naval units are carrying more than 7,000 sailors and around 2,000 Marines, potentially bringing the number of US aircraft carriers in the region to three by the end of October.