US withdrew all B-1 bombers from British base after new threat - sources

The United States has withdrawn all B-1 strategic bombers that were stationed at RAF Fairford in the UK and returned them to bases in the US. The decision was made amid a security threat following an investigation into an alleged conspiracy to attack the facility.

A US official confirmed to CNN that all B-1s deployed at Fairford have returned to their permanent bases in the United States. The reasons for the relocation are not officially disclosed, but a source described the situation to the TV channel as a real security threat.

According to The Wall Street Journal, until recently about 12 B-1s remained at RAF Fairford. US officials link the decision to withdraw them to security concerns following an alleged attempt to organize an attack on the base.

RAF Fairford played an important role in American air operations against Iran. B-1s and B-52s operated from the British base, which significantly shortened the distance to operation areas compared with flights directly from the US.

On September 27, British police arrested five British citizens aged 23 to 25 near the base. They were suspected of preparing a terrorist act and violating explosives legislation. No explosives were found in the three vans they were using, but the investigation continued.

Later, a dual British-Iranian national was also arrested in the same case. All suspects were released on bail pending further investigation.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that there were "significant indications" of Iran's involvement in the incident. US officials also suspect the conspiracy is linked to Iran, and The Wall Street Journal reports that the alleged targets could have been American aircraft and military personnel at RAF Fairford.

Iran denies any involvement in planning the attack and calls the accusations baseless. However, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps previously warned that British bases used by the US for strikes on Iran could be considered by Tehran as military targets.

The Pentagon stresses that the return of B-1s to the US does not deprive American forces of the ability to conduct long-range operations. The bombers remain ready to carry out missions from the territory of the United States.

Based on materials from: CNN, The Wall Street Journal