Photo: Collected
US bombers have been moved out of the Royal Air Force (RAF) base at Fairford in the United Kingdom over fears of a possible attack. The United States took the decision after several people were recently detained on charges of planning a terrorist attack on the base.
Reports in several US media outlets said the operation to move the bombers began on an emergency basis. The B-1 bombers deployed at Fairford have already set off for the United States.
In a statement given to Al Jazeera, a Pentagon spokesperson said that for reasons of operational security it had not been possible to immediately confirm information about the movement of US military assets and forces. However, it is now being confirmed that all US bombers deployed at RAF Fairford have returned to their respective bases.
The spokesperson further said airmen of the US bomber fleet, including B-1s, B-2s and B-52s, are ready to carry out precise long-range strikes at any time and from any place. If necessary, these aircraft can conduct operations by taking off from and landing on the US mainland itself.
RAF Fairford had been used as a transit base for the bombers ever since the United States and Israel began strikes on Iran on 28 February. Located about 160 kilometres west of London, the military base has come under fresh discussion over the recent incident.
Earlier, on 27 September, UK police detained five people on charges of conspiring to plant explosives near the Fairford base. Investigators had initially spoken of the possibility of Iran’s involvement in the alleged plot. Tehran, however, has denied the allegation of being involved in any such plan.
The five were, however, released without any charge the day after their detention. Although investigators recovered petrol from a van they used, they did not find any explosive device. UK officials, however, said the investigation into the incident is still continuing.
Meanwhile, UK police said last Thursday that a 25-year-old British-Iranian dual national had been arrested from London on suspicion of involvement in the plan to attack Fairford.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham also hinted last week that Iran had a role in the alleged plot. However, he did not disclose any details on the matter.
