Pentagon swiftly withdraws bombers from UK base after new threats
U.S. officials confirmed a rapid removal of bombers from a British airfield, citing emerging threats, possibly linked to an Iran‑based plot, though details were not disclosed. The coverage aligns with earlier reports on the same incident.
First reported 6 hours ago · latest update 2 hours ago
The United States moved all twelve B‑1 Lancer bombers stationed at RAF Fairford in southern England back to the United States over the weekend after receiving new intelligence about a potential threat to the base.
U.S. officials described the departure as unusually swift for an allied airfield in a peacetime setting, noting that such rapid relocations are rarely undertaken. The urgency of the situation led to some aircraft and their flight crews departing while aerial refuelling aircraft were still being scrambled to support the flights.
According to the officials, at least three of the bombers had already landed at their home base in South Dakota by Sunday. The remaining aircraft were in the process of returning to the United States, with crews and support elements continuing the transit.
The Pentagon’s European Command confirmed that the B‑1 bombers had left RAF Fairford but declined to provide further details about the specific warnings that prompted the move.
The withdrawal was prompted by what U.S. officials characterized as an Iran‑backed plot targeting the installation, prompting the rapid extraction of the aircraft from the United Kingdom.
Citations · 2 reports from 2 outlets
Tap a citation to read it above, right here on T.A.M.
U.S. Rushes to Withdraw Bombers From U.K. Air Base After New Threats
The withdrawal came with unusual speed, following what U.S. officials said were threats of an Iran-based plot against the installation.
6 hours ago · Eric SchmittUS rushes to withdraw bombers from UK air base after new threats
New York Times: The Pentagon confirmed the sudden move but wouldn't say what sparked it.
2 hours ago · Eric Schmitt