Archive · 6 Oct 2026
US Withdraws B-1 Bombers From RAF Fairford After Threat
The United States moved 12 B-1 bombers away from RAF Fairford in England.
Reports said the move followed intelligence about a possible drone attack.
US leaders said they wanted to keep the aircraft and people at the base safe.
Iran denied being involved.
British police had recently arrested six people during an investigation connected to activity near the base.
The suspects were released on bail and are still being investigated.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the arrests were not directly linked to the bombers leaving.
RAF Fairford is important because it can support large, long-range military aircraft.
The bombers returned to their home bases in the United States.
The United States withdrew all 12 B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford after receiving intelligence about a possible drone attack, according to reports.
US officials described the move as precautionary; Vice President JD Vance said it was made to protect American personnel.
Iran denied involvement, while President Donald Trump said those behind the threat would be linked to Iran.
British police arrested five men near the base on September 27 and a sixth suspect in London on October 1; all were released on bail and remain under investigation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there was no direct link between the bomber withdrawal and the arrests; authorities have not publicly established that connection.
- Who
- The United States withdrew 12 B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford; British police are investigating six arrested suspects.
- What
- The bombers were moved from the base after reports of intelligence about a possible drone attack.
- When
- The withdrawal took place on a Sunday; the article does not specify the year. Five men were arrested on September 27 and a sixth suspect on October 1.
- Where
- RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, southern England; the sixth suspect was arrested in London.
- Why
- US officials said the aircraft were moved as a precaution after intelligence suggested they could be targeted.
US Threat Assessment
Iranian Denial and Caution on Links
Alleged Iranian role in threat
US Threat Assessment
US officials said new intelligence indicated a potential Iranian-linked threat, and President Donald Trump said those behind it would be linked to Iran.
Iranian Denial and Caution on Links
Iran denied involvement in the alleged threat.
Connection between arrests and bomber withdrawal
US Threat Assessment
The threat and the arrests near RAF Fairford have both raised security concerns, and British authorities have considered possible foreign-state involvement in their investigation.
Iranian Denial and Caution on Links
Marco Rubio said there was no direct link between the bombers leaving and the arrests; authorities have not publicly established that the suspects were involved in the alleged drone plot.
- Aircraft withdrawn
- 12 B-1 bombers
- Base
- RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, England
- Reported threat
- A possible drone attack; reports said intelligence suggested the aircraft and US personnel could be targeted.
- Arrests near Fairford
- Five men were arrested on September 27 after police stopped and searched three vehicles.
- Additional arrest
- A sixth suspect, described as a British-Iranian dual national, was arrested in London on October 1.
- Investigation status
- The suspects were released on bail and remain under investigation.
- Runway length
- About 3,046 metres