US withdraws B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford after Iran-linked threats
publishers 73articles 81first reported 4 Oct, 21:17 UTCdeveloping since 5 Oct · 9 editions
The United States withdrew all of its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in southern England after receiving threats that President Donald Trump said were linked to Iran.
The Pentagon confirmed Sunday that the aircraft had returned to their home stations in the United States. Trump said Monday that “there were some threats” and that the planes had not left by accident. Vice President JD Vance said they were moved “out of an abundance of caution.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio declined to directly connect the redeployment to a recent security incident near the base, describing military asset movements as routine, while expressing confidence in the security of US bases and praising British cooperation.
US officials told Reuters that a suspected Iranian plot involving a complex drone attack prompted the withdrawal. The Irish Times, citing unnamed US and British officials, reported that commanders feared an attack ordered by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard targeting aircraft and US personnel. Iran has rejected allegations that it was involved.
The move followed a counterterrorism investigation after police were alerted to suspicious vehicles near RAF Fairford on September 27. Five British men were arrested and later released on bail. A British-Iranian man was subsequently arrested and also bailed. Police said no explosives were found, although a quantity of petrol was recovered.
The British government insisted the base remained safe. RAF Fairford had hosted about a dozen B-1 bombers and was used in recent US operations against Iran.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 7 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 42 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
- 73
- Source articles
- 81
- Given to the writer
- 8, 7 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 8
- This version written
- 42 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
- Publication gate
- passed
- Human review
- none
WHAT THE EDITOR DID
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