The US has withdrawn all of its bombers from RAF Fairford, prompting Downing Street to assert that the military base remains safe. The Pentagon confirmed on Sunday that it had removed approximately a dozen B-1 bombers from the base, returning them to their home stations in America.
Context
US media reported that the withdrawal was prompted by a new threat, following a significant incident on September 27, when police were alerted to three "suspicious vehicles" near the airbase. A spokesperson from Number 10 stated that he would not comment on "foreign nations' military operations" but emphasized the base's safety. He referenced comments made by US President Donald Trump, who praised the police, defense, and security services in relation to the base.
Developments
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting also remarked last week that the UK has "tried and tested approaches to defend our bases around the country and throughout the world."
RAF Fairford, located in the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire, is currently under investigation by counter-terror police. Five men were initially arrested on suspicion of terror offenses but have since been released on bail. A sixth individual, a UK-Iranian national, was also arrested and released on bail.
