US Air Force removes all bombers from British air base targeted by a suspected terror attack
The move could reduce short-term U.S. capacity to surge sorties against Iran, analysts said.
- On Sunday, at least 10 USAF B-1B Lancer bombers departed Royal Air Force Fairford in the United Kingdom, returning to bases in the United States. The Pentagon confirmed the redeployment.
- Twelve B-1B Lancer bombers had been stationed at Fairford since March, serving as a key launch point for strikes against Iran. The withdrawal follows an investigation into an alleged plot targeting the base.
- Police arrested five British nationals and one dual Iranian citizen regarding the alleged scheme. US officials claimed an individual linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps recruited the suspects, though British authorities have not confirmed this finding.
- The Defense Department stressed it remains on alert to employ "global strike capability" from US territory, noting the return does not eliminate long-range strike options. It remains unclear whether replacement aircraft will be sent to Fairford.
- Following the base's use in Iran operations, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officials previously warned that facilities supporting US strikes could be considered legitimate targets. British investigations into the alleged plot and potential foreign state involvement are continuing.
720 Articles
720 Articles
What is the intelligence behind the US withdrawal from RAF Fairford?
The United States says withdrawing its bombers from RAF Fairford is only an ‘abundance of caution’ over what Iran might be doing, and US officials told The New York Times that the redeployment had been ordered after more details about threats to the base emerged at the weekend.
Why Did the US Suddenly Withdraw Its Bombers From RAF Fairford?
On Oct. 4, the United States removed all bombers stationed at Royal Air Force Fairford from active service and sent them back to their home bases in America. The Pentagon and the U.S. European Command did not announce it until after the planes had left, and they provided no explanation. The number of aircraft that...
Report: U.S. withdraws B-1 bombers from U.K. base after suspected terror plot
The Pentagon confirmed to The Wall Street Journal that all U.S. bombers based at RAF Fairford have been redeployed to the U.S. The move follows the arrest of six suspects last week on suspicion of plotting an attack against the U.S.-run base
U.S. bombers leave U.K. base amid investigation into suspected Iran-linked plot
(NBC)- All U.S. Air Force bombers deployed to RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom have left the base amid an investigation into a suspected terror plot near the installation. At least 12 bombers were quickly withdrawn from the American-operated base, which has played a key role in U.S. strikes against Iran. British authorities are investigating whether Iran was involved in...
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
