US withdraws bombers from UK airbase after suspected terror plot

The United States has removed its bombers from the UK military base, RAF Fairford, following a suspected terror plot at the facility located in Gloucestershire. The bombers have been returned to their respective bases in the United States.

On Saturday, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) announced that a sixth individual arrested in connection with the events at RAF Fairford had been released on bail. The 25-year-old, a dual UK-Iranian national, was apprehended for allegedly preparing terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. Five other British nationals, all in their mid-20s, were also arrested on suspicion of explosives offenses and terrorism, subsequently being released on bail. Three suspicious vans were observed near the military base the previous weekend.

CTP national co-ordinator Vicki Evans described the investigation as "hugely complex," stating that specialist teams were probing "multiple lines of inquiry." She emphasized that they were exploring all potential angles, including the possibility of foreign state involvement. Prime Minister Andy Burnham highlighted "strong indications" that Iran had a role in the incident.

RAF Fairford has recently hosted US bombers, after former Prime Minister Keir Starmer granted Washington permission to utilize British bases for "defensive" strikes against Tehran during the Middle East conflict. Counter-terror police reported finding petrol in the vans that triggered the security alert, but no explosives. On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Israel had provided Britain with intelligence regarding the suspected terror plot, asserting that they had warned UK authorities about an "Iranian-sponsored attack" just prior to the UK's announcement of a trade ban with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.