1 hr ago
US Withdraws B-1 Bombers From UK Base Amid Security Concerns
The United States moved its B-1 bombers away from an air base in Britain.
The planes have returned to their home stations in the United States.
A dozen bombers had been at RAF Fairford.
Several men were arrested after they were suspected of preparing terrorist acts at the base.
British officials said they had strong indications Iran was involved in a possible plot.
Iran said the accusation was baseless.
The aircraft had also been used in US strikes on Iranian missile sites.
US officials said they could not discuss movements in real time for security reasons.
The United States says all bombers deployed to RAF Fairford have returned to their home stations.
A dozen B-1 bombers had been stationed at the air base northwest of London.
The aircraft were removed about a week after several men were arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts there.
Britain said it had strong indications Iran was involved in a suspected plot targeting the base; Iran denied the accusation.
The bombers had been used in US strikes on Iranian missile sites, which Britain had permitted from Fairford.
- Who
- The United States moved its B-1 bombers; British officials and Iran made opposing statements about a suspected plot.
- What
- All US bombers deployed to RAF Fairford were re-deployed to home stations in the United States.
- Where
- RAF Fairford, northwest of London, United Kingdom.
- When
- The withdrawal was reported on October 4, about a week after arrests at the base.
- Why
- The aircraft were removed amid security concerns following arrests over a suspected plot targeting the base.
Britain's allegation
Iran's denial
Iran's alleged role in the suspected plot
Britain's allegation
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Britain had strong indications Iran was involved in a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford.
Iran's denial
Iran said accusations linking Tehran to the alleged plan were baseless and summoned the British ambassador in Tehran.
Key facts
- Aircraft
- B-1 bombers
- Number stationed at Fairford
- A dozen
- Destination
- Their home stations in the United States
- Base
- RAF Fairford, northwest of London
- Arrests
- Several men were arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts at the base.
- UK position
- Britain said it had strong indications Iran was involved in a suspected plot.
- Iran's response
- Iran called the accusations baseless and summoned the British ambassador in Tehran.
Quotes
Pentagon spokesman
A spokesperson for the US Department of Defense.
“While operational security precluded us from confirming the movement of our assets and forces in real-time, we can acknowledge now that all US bombers that were deployed to RAF Fairford have re-deployed to their home stations in the United States.”
theprint.in
Sources
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