2 hrs ago
US Withdraws Bombers From UK Base After Suspected Plot
The United States moved its B-1 bombers from a British air base back to the United States.
The planes had recently been used in strikes on Iranian missile sites.
The move happened after people were arrested near the base over a suspected plot.
Six men were arrested in total, and all have been released on bail.
Police say they are still investigating and have not explained the case fully.
No explosive devices were found, but police reported finding petrol.
Iran says it had nothing to do with the suspected plot.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he believed Iran may have supported it.
A Pentagon official said the US bomber force remains ready for missions.
The United States returned all B-1 bombers deployed at RAF Fairford to their home bases, a Pentagon official said on Sunday.
The aircraft had been used for US strikes on Iranian missile sites targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
The withdrawal came a week after five men were arrested near the base on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts; a sixth man was also arrested.
All six men have been released on bail, and British counterterrorism police say the investigation is complex.
Iran denied involvement, while Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the suspected plot was likely backed by Iran.
- Who
- The United States withdrew its B-1 bombers; six men were arrested in the British investigation.
- What
- All US bombers deployed at RAF Fairford returned to their home bases in the United States.
- Where
- RAF Fairford in England, about 90 miles (145 km) west of London.
- When
- The Pentagon confirmed the return on Sunday, October 5; the arrests occurred on September 27.
- Why
- The Wall Street Journal reported the planes returned because of security concerns linked to suspected plots targeting the base; the Pentagon did not give that reason.
Iranian involvement suspected
Iran denies involvement
Who may have backed the suspected plot
Iranian involvement suspected
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the suspected plot was likely backed by Iran. US President Donald Trump said it might have been connected to Iran.
Iran denies involvement
Iran rejected the accusations as baseless. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Iran believed the release of the suspects on bail spoke for itself.
Reason for bomber withdrawal
Iranian involvement suspected
The Wall Street Journal reported the aircraft returned home because of security concerns related to suspected plots targeting the base.
Iran denies involvement
The Pentagon confirmed the bombers had returned but did not state that the suspected plot prompted the move.
Key facts
- Aircraft
- B-1 bombers
- Base
- RAF Fairford
- Distance from London
- 90 miles (145 km) west
- Arrests
- Five men were arrested on September 27; a sixth man was also arrested.
- Legal status
- All six men have been released on bail.
- Police findings
- No explosive devices were found; police reported a quantity of petrol.
- Recent military use
- The bombers had been used for US strikes on Iranian missile sites attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Quotes
US President Donald Trump
President of the United States
“I can confirm Iran’s belief that releasing supposed terrorists working for foreign states really says it all. You’re barking up the wrong tree.”
theprint.in
“I wouldn’t have done that.”
theprint.in
Sources
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