U.S. pulls B‑1 bombers from RAF Fairford amid security concerns

The United States has withdrawn all twelve B‑1 bomber aircraft that were stationed at RAF Fairford in southern England. The move was prompted by newly received intelligence indicating a possible Iran‑backed plot targeting the base, according to two U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The redeployment was carried out with unusual speed for a peacetime allied installation. Some of the bombers and their flight crews departed while aerial refueling aircraft were still being scrambled to support the flights back to the United States. By October 4, at least three of the aircraft had already landed at their home base in South Dakota.

The U.S. European Command confirmed that the bombers had left England and are now returning to their home stations in the United States. In a statement, the command said that U.S. Air Force bombers routinely operate worldwide to support global force readiness and operational requirements, but it declined to comment on the specific threat that triggered the withdrawal.

The British Ministry of Defence declined to comment on the movements of the U.S. military assets. U.S. officials also declined to provide further details about the nature of the threat or the operational timeline of the redeployment.

No additional information has been released regarding any further security measures or the status of other U.S. forces stationed in the United Kingdom.