The United States military has withdrawn its heavy bomber fleet from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, Britain, following the arrest of six suspects in connection with a suspected Iranian terror plot targeting the airbase.
The move was confirmed by defense and counter-terrorism officials, who linked the arrests to a possible foreign state effort against the facility.
Police operations began early on Sunday, September 27, after a local farmer reported three suspicious white vans and hooded individuals fleeing into a nearby field in Whelford, about one mile from the installation.
Armed officers arrested five British men aged 23 to 25 from London. Initial detentions under the Explosives Act were later shifted to suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.
Authorities recovered a quantity of petrol during vehicle searches, but no explosive devices were found.
A sixth suspect, a 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national, was arrested in London on Thursday as part of the counter-terrorism investigation.
All six individuals have since been released on bail under strict restrictions covering their movements and contacts.
Political and Military Response
High-level political and military responses followed the initial arrests, pointing to potential foreign state involvement in targeting the airfield, which serves as a vital strategic node for heavy bomber operations in Europe.
US President Donald Trump commented on the severity of the planned operation during initial briefings, saying it could have caused "big damage."
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also highlighted potential international involvement behind the group's actions near the airfield, referring to the "hands of a foreign actor."
British authorities gradually aligned their assessment with foreign intelligence reports after examining the evidence.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham noted on Wednesday that investigators were exploring potential links between the suspects and Iranian entities, following earlier warnings issued by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in July regarding the airbase's operational role.
The strategic value of RAF Fairford stems from its capability to host heavy bombers capable of carrying heavy precision-guided bunker-busting munitions.
The base has actively supported US military operations targeting Iranian assets after receiving approval from British authorities for defensive strikes.
Following the withdrawal of the aircraft, defense analysts noted ongoing security concerns regarding American installations in the region.
A NATO military source said on Monday that it is still believed Iran poses an acute threat to US assets in the UK.
Iranian officials rejected all claims regarding their alleged involvement in the planned attack. Tehran summoned the British ambassador on Thursday to formally protest the allegations.
Counter-terrorism investigations by British authorities remain ongoing.
