US pulls all bombers from key UK base after suspected Iran-linked terror plot

All U.S. Air Force bombers in the U.K. were returned to their home bases in the United States following a suspected terror plot that U.S. officials have suggested may be linked to Iran targeting a U.S. military facility last week, officials said.

About a dozen B-1 bombers were among the aircraft removed from Royal Air Force (RAF) Station Fairford in Gloucestershire, England, a U.S. official told Fox News. The base is the only European forward operating location for American heavy bombers.

"We can acknowledge now that all U.S. bombers that were deployed to RAF Fairford have re-deployed to their home stations in the United States," a department official said.

The Pentagon emphasized that despite the relocation, the bomber fleet remains fully prepared to launch long-range strike missions directly from the continental United States whenever needed.

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"The Airmen that operate America’s bomber force, including B-1s, B-2s, and B-52s, remain ready to deliver precision global strike capabilities – including through operations that launch and recover from the continental United States – anywhere, anytime," the official said.

RAF Fairford functions as a key European base for heavy American strategic bombers has supported U.S. military operations, including missions targeting Iranian sites.

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Last Sunday, U.K. officials said three suspicious vehicles containing fuel accelerants were found near RAF Fairford.

"We can confirm that no improvised explosive devices were found. However, a quantity of petrol was recovered," officials said. 

Authorities began investigating potential ties to Iranian state proxies and eventually arrested a British-Iranian dual national "on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio later said the suspected plot "clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor."

President Donald Trump last week also told reporters that the incident may have been connected to Iran, which the United States has been at war with since February. 

A total of six people were arrested in connection with the incident, including five British nationals in their early 20s.

Police, however, said all the suspects have been released on bail, adding that the investigation remains ongoing. 

"I understand why this development will have come as a surprise to many, but I’d like to reiterate that it was an investigative decision, and one which is grounded in experience and careful consideration of policing powers," officials said, referring to the release of the five British nationals. 

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