No 10 Insists RAF Fairford Is Very Much Safe After US Withdraws Bombers
Downing Street has insisted that RAF Fairford remains safe after the United States withdrew all of its bombers from the Gloucestershire airbase amid security concerns linked to a suspected terrorist plot.
The Pentagon confirmed on Sunday that all US bombers deployed at RAF Fairford had been returned to their home bases in the United States.
The sudden move came days after six people were arrested in connection with a security investigation involving the military site. Five British men were arrested near the base in September, while a British-Iranian man was arrested in London last week. All six have since been released on bail.
Downing Street Says RAF Fairford Is Safe
Asked whether RAF Fairford remained safe, the prime minister’s official spokesperson gave a direct answer.
“Yes,” the spokesperson said.
The official also pointed to comments from Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, who said Britain has established procedures for protecting military bases in the UK and overseas.
Downing Street declined to comment on the reasons behind the US military decision. The spokesperson said decisions concerning American military operations were a matter for Washington.
The British government has also said there has been no change in its position regarding the security of RAF Fairford.
US Withdraws All Bombers
The US Air Force confirmed that its bombers had been redeployed to their home stations in America.
The aircraft included B-1 bombers that had been operating from RAF Fairford. The base has been an important location for US military operations and has been used by American bombers during the conflict involving Iran.
The Pentagon said US bomber forces remain ready to conduct operations from the continental United States or other locations.
The statement did not publicly identify a security threat as the reason for the withdrawal. However, US officials told American media that more specific information about a possible threat to the base had emerged before the aircraft were moved.
Suspected Terror Plot Under Investigation
The US withdrawal follows a security incident near RAF Fairford on September 27.
Five British nationals in their 20s were arrested after police investigated suspicious vehicles close to the base. Police later said they found a quantity of petrol but no explosive devices.
A sixth suspect, a 25-year-old dual British-Iranian national, was arrested in London on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.
All six suspects have now been released on bail while the investigation continues.
British officials have suggested that Iran may have been involved in the incident. Prime Minister Andy Burnham previously said there were “strong indications” that Iran played a part.
Iran has rejected allegations that it was involved in the suspected plot.
RAF Fairford Has Been Used Against Iran
RAF Fairford has played an important role in recent US military operations.
American bombers have operated from the Gloucestershire base during the conflict with Iran. The United States has used the facility as a forward operating location for long-range aircraft.
The base is located about 100 miles west of London and has hosted US military aircraft for decades.
Its role in operations against Iran has made the site a potential security concern. Iranian officials have previously warned that military bases used for attacks against Iran could be considered legitimate targets.
US Says Withdrawal Is Part of Military Operations
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to play down suggestions that the bomber withdrawal was directly linked to the suspected terrorist plot.
Rubio said US military aircraft are routinely moved around the world because of exercises, deployments and operational requirements.
He also praised cooperation between American and British authorities during the investigation.
However, reports from US officials indicated that the decision to move the bombers was made after additional information about threats to the base became available.
The different public explanations have raised questions about the exact reasons behind the sudden redeployment.
Investigation Continues
British counter-terrorism officers are continuing to investigate the suspected plot.
Authorities have not announced charges against any of the six people arrested so far. The release of the suspects on bail does not mean the investigation has ended.
The security situation at RAF Fairford remains under close attention as Britain and the United States continue to cooperate.
For now, Downing Street maintains that the base is safe, even though the US has removed its bombers.
The developments highlight the security challenges facing RAF Fairford after its increased role in US military operations. Further details about the suspected plot and the reasons for the American withdrawal are expected as the investigation continues.
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