President Donald Trump stated that a "specific threat" led to the withdrawal of U.S. B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom, suggesting a foiled terror plot prompted the move. The Pentagon confirmed Sunday that the aircraft had been "redeployed to their home stations in the US."
Trump told reporters on Monday that the bombers "didn't fly out by accident" and that the decision was made "rather than tempting the enemy." This statement contrasts with earlier remarks from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had downplayed the redeployment, calling it a routine rotation of assets. "I wouldn't directly tie that [the incident at RAF Fairford] to the move which was made," Rubio said, adding that "it's not unusual to see rotations happen and movement of assets to different parts of the world based on exercises and redeployment."
US officials informed The New York Times that the bombers' redeployment was ordered after more specific details about threats to the base emerged over the weekend. The aircraft had been involved in carrying out strikes on Iran.
Counter-terror police arrested six individuals in connection with a suspected terror plot targeting the base. Five British nationals, all in their mid-20s, were arrested near the base on September 27 and have since been released on bail. A sixth man, a 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national, arrested on October 1, was also released on bail. Prime Minister Andy Burnham indicated there were "strong indications" that Iran played a role in the incident. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also claimed Israel had provided Britain with intelligence about the "Iranian-sponsored attack."
A Pentagon official stated on Sunday, "US Air Force bombers routinely operate around the world to support global force readiness and operational requirements." The official acknowledged that "all US bombers that were deployed to RAF Fairford have redeployed to their home stations in the United States." The statement emphasized that airmen operating the U.S. bomber force remain ready to deliver global strike capabilities.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman confirmed that RAF Fairford is safe. However, the Liberal Democrats urged the government to enhance security at military bases, citing the withdrawal as a cause for "serious concerns about security standards."
RAF Fairford has recently been used by U.S. bombers for defensive strikes against Iran, following permission granted by former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer. Counter-terror police reported finding a quantity of petrol but no explosive devices in the vans involved in the security alert.