Focus – US withdraws all bombers from RAF Fairford base in the UK

Washington, 5 October /ATSH/ – The United States of America has withdrawn all American bombers that were deployed at the British air base “RAF Fairford” and returned them to their bases on American territory, the Pentagon confirmed today, “Reuters” reported.

A spokesman for the US Department of Defense said that, due to operational security requirements, the American military had not confirmed in real time the movement of its aircraft and forces.

However, the US now confirms that all American bombers that were at “RAF Fairford” have returned to their bases in the United States of America.

The withdrawal was carried out yesterday, while around 12 “B-1B Lancer” bombers were seen leaving the base in Gloucestershire and heading towards the US.

The US Air Force stressed that American bombers operate regularly in different parts of the world, as part of force readiness and the fulfilment of operational requirements.

According to the Pentagon’s statement, the personnel operating the American bomber fleet, including the B-1, B-2 and B-52, remain ready to carry out precision strike missions at a global level.

The American military underlined that these missions can also be launched and completed from bases on the continental territory of the US, preserving the ability to act “anywhere and at any time”.

The withdrawal of the bombers from “RAF Fairford” comes after a serious security incident near the base at the end of September.

On 27 September, British authorities arrested five people on suspicion of terrorism-related offences near the base.

Police found a quantity of accelerant, including petrol, but found no explosives. All five were later released on bail.

Later, British authorities also arrested a 25-year-old man with British and Iranian citizenship in London, on suspicion of having planned a terrorist attack linked to the incident. He too was released on bail, while the investigation continues.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that there are “strong indications” that Iran played a role in the incident, but the investigation remains ongoing and Iran has denied involvement.

“RAF Fairford”, in Gloucestershire, England, is one of the main bases in Europe used by the US for operating its strategic bombers.

The base has been used for several decades for American bomber deployments and, during the recent conflict with Iran, served as an important point for the operations of B-1B and B-52 aircraft.

However, “RAF Fairford” is not a base where American bombers are stationed permanently. The aircraft are deployed there temporarily according to operational needs.

The Pentagon has not stated that the withdrawal means the end of American bomber operations.

On the contrary, the US has stressed that its bomber force remains on standby and that the aircraft can carry out long-range missions even when launching from bases on American territory.