The U.S. Withdraws B-1 Bombers Deployed in the UK
On October 4 local time, according to U.S. sources, the United States has withdrawn all B-1 bombers deployed at the Royal Air Force Fairford base in the UK back to the U.S. This decision was made due to security concerns regarding a suspected terrorist attack plot against the base.
Reports indicate that the U.S. had previously designated the Fairford base, located northwest of London, as a hub for bombing operations against Iran. Prior to the recent withdrawal, a total of 12 B-1 bombers were stationed at the base.
Earlier, in the early hours of September 27, British police received reports of "three suspicious vehicles heading towards the Royal Air Force Fairford base in Gloucestershire." The police subsequently arrested five British men in their twenties and evacuated 85 nearby residents. The police later stated that no explosive devices were found in the vehicles involved, but a certain amount of gasoline was discovered. (Reporter Zhao Miao from the Central Broadcasting Station)
On October 4, 2023, the U.S. Air Force withdrew all 12 B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in the UK due to security concerns over a suspected terrorist plot. This decision followed the arrest of five individuals by British police after suspicious vehicles were reported near the base, although no explosives were found.
- All B-1 bombers stationed at RAF Fairford were withdrawn to the U.S.
- The withdrawal was prompted by security concerns over a suspected terrorist plot.
- 12 B-1 bombers were previously deployed at the base.
- British police arrested five individuals related to suspicious vehicles near the base.
- No explosives were found, but gasoline was discovered in the vehicles.