The UK government has confirmed that RAF Fairford remains safe following the withdrawal of US bombers from the Gloucestershire airbase. The US Pentagon announced on Sunday that it had relocated the aircraft, reportedly including around a dozen B-1 bombers, back to their home bases in the United States. This move comes after a significant security incident at the base on September 27.
The incident involved police being alerted to three suspicious vehicles near the facility, leading to the arrest of six men on suspicion of terrorism offences. Five men were released on bail, while a UK-Iranian national was also arrested and released on bail. US media reports suggest that American commanders received new intelligence about a possible Iran-backed threat against the base, prompting the withdrawal.
However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Monday that he would not directly link the withdrawal to the September incident. He emphasized that Washington continued to have full confidence in the security of its bases and praised the cooperation of British authorities. A Downing Street spokesperson declined to comment on foreign military operations but cited recent comments by President Donald Trump praising British police, defence, and security services.
Whitehall sources have not disputed reports that the decision to withdraw the bombers was made in response to the security concerns. The BBC reported that the move was an operational military decision communicated by the US military to its British counterparts. The New York Times reported that US commanders had received fresh warnings about a possible Iran-backed plot against the airbase.
According to US officials cited by the newspaper, the latest intelligence contained more specific details that prompted an immediate response. Ezra Cohen, a former US defence official, described the withdrawal as a prudent measure, noting the strategic importance and limited number of B-1 bombers in the US arsenal. The withdrawal has heightened tensions surrounding RAF Fairford, which has been used by the US Air Force as a forward operating location for decades.
In recent months, the US has operated B-1 and B-52 bombers from the base for missions in the Middle East after Britain approved a US request to use the facility for defensive operations against Iran. Iran has denied involvement in the incident, and Tehran had previously warned that any base used for attacks against Iranian territory could be considered a legitimate target.
Meanwhile, residents living near RAF Fairford have expressed relief at the departure of the bombers, citing aircraft noise and growing concerns about security in the area. Liberal Democrat defence spokesperson James MacCleary described the withdrawal as concerning and called on the British government to ensure that military bases across the country were adequately protected.
Key points
- The US withdrew its bombers from RAF Fairford amid security concerns following a significant incident on September 27.
- The UK government has assured that RAF Fairford remains safe, citing cooperation between British and US authorities.
- The withdrawal has heightened tensions surrounding RAF Fairford, which has been used by the US Air Force for decades.
