US removes all Air Force bombers from UK base following new threat

The United States has returned its long-range bombers to American bases following a new threat, according to a US official, shortly after British authorities arrested several individuals linked to an alleged Iranian plot targeting a UK airbase. The US official informed CNN that all US bombers previously deployed to RAF Fairford have returned to their home stations in the United States.

The source did not provide details on the reasons behind the move. The official described the latest threat as a "real world incident." The relocation of the bombers to their home stations rather than deploying them to another regional base was unusual, according to the official. The UK Ministry of Defense did not comment on the matter.

The RAF base at Fairford, which has been utilized to deploy US B-1 bombers in the Iran war and serves as an operating location for the US Global Strike Command, was significantly affected by this move. CNN's national security analyst, Alex Plitsas, suggested that several dozen bombers may have been stationed at Fairford, emphasizing the seriousness of the threat.

The removal of bombers follows the arrest of five British nationals and a 25-year-old British-Iranian dual national on suspicion of terror and explosives offenses near the airbase on September 27. The individuals were released on bail without any explosives being found, sparking criticism from President Donald Trump. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham believed Iran was involved in the incident, supported by US assessments.

Iran has denied any involvement in the plot and summoned the British ambassador in Tehran, demanding a revision of the UK's approach toward Tehran.