US Withdraws All Bombers From RAF Fairford After Suspected Terror Plot

The United States has withdrawn all of its Air Force bombers from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, days after a suspected terror plot targeting the military base led to the arrest of six people. A Pentagon official confirmed that all US bombers deployed to the British airbase have now returned to their home stations in the United States. The aircraft involved include B-1, B-2 and B-52 bombers, although the Pentagon did not disclose the exact number or timing of the movements for security reasons.

The withdrawal comes after a security incident near RAF Fairford on 27 September, when five British men in their 20s were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and preparing terrorist acts. A sixth suspect, a 25 year old dual British Iranian national, was arrested in London on 1 October on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.

All six suspects have since been released on police bail and remain under investigation. Police previously said no viable explosive devices were discovered, although petrol was recovered from vehicles linked to the investigation.

The development has raised questions about the security of RAF Fairford, which has played an important role in US military operations. The base is the preferred European forward operating location for the US Air Force’s Global Strike Command and has been used by American bombers during the conflict with Iran.

According to US officials cited by Sky News and other outlets, more specific information about a potential threat emerged shortly before the bombers were withdrawn. At least some of the aircraft reportedly left the base urgently, with refuelling arrangements being organised as they departed.

The Pentagon, however, stressed that the relocation does not mean America’s bomber force is no longer ready for operations. It said US bombers routinely operate from different locations around the world and remain capable of carrying out long-range missions from bases in the United States.

RAF Fairford has become particularly significant during the conflict involving the US and Iran. B-1 bombers based there have been involved in US military operations, making the site strategically important.

British authorities are also examining whether the suspected plot had any connection to Iran. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham previously said there were “strong indications” that Iran had played a part in the incident. Iran has rejected the allegation and denied involvement.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also said investigators were looking at possible foreign state involvement, but authorities have not publicly established who, if anyone, was behind the suspected plot. The investigation remains ongoing.

The removal of the bombers therefore represents a significant security response, but the Pentagon has not said that the aircraft were withdrawn permanently or that the wider US military operation has been suspended. For now RAF Fairford remains under close scrutiny as British counter terrorism officers continue investigating the suspected attack and any possible links to a wider network.