US military aircraft leave second UK base

At least ten US Air Force refuelling aircraft departed a second UK base, RAF Mildenhall, on Monday, according to flight tracking data analyzed by BBC Verify. The aircraft landed at various American bases in Europe and Scotland. While the Wall Street Journal attributed this move to a perceived threat from Iran, BBC has not independently verified this claim.

This follows the US withdrawal of bombers from RAF Fairford due to a suspected Iran-linked security incident. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) declined to comment on the activity of other nations, stating that aircraft and assets move based on operational requirements. BBC Verify observed US Air Force KC-135 tankers leaving RAF Mildenhall throughout Monday.

Two aircraft initially flew to US bases in Germany and Italy, with one returning to Mildenhall and heading to Spangdahlem airbase in Germany, while the other, after circling Aviano airbase in Italy, landed in Spangdahlem. An additional eight KC-135s left Mildenhall later that day. One aircraft landing at Prestwick Airport in Scotland might have been on a routine stop before returning to its American base.

UK Prime Minister's spokesperson emphasized that UK airbases are secure and that the government works closely with allies to protect them. RAF Mildenhall, located about 80 miles north of London, houses approximately 3,000 military personnel and primarily serves for refuelling and maintenance operations. The base has been used as a staging area for aircraft and materials headed to the Middle East.

Asked about the US Aircraft evacuation from RAF Mildenhall, Education Secretary Lucy Powell declined to comment on ongoing operational matters, reiterating her commitment to base security. A US Air Force spokesperson explained that aircraft "rotate between installations and operating locations for training and operational requirements," adding that the US military utilizes agreements with allies and partners for asset movement.

Former UK National Security Adviser Lord Ricketts highlighted the vulnerability of large airbases and acknowledged the potential for ongoing investigation into the purpose of the aircraft movements. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on Iranian threats against American diplomats overseas, stating that security measures were taken to protect personnel and their families.