US pulls its B-1 bombers out of RAF Fairford

The United States has withdrawn all of its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, a week after a suspected plot near the base that the Prime Minister has linked to Iran.

The Pentagon confirmed that the aircraft, around a dozen B-1B Lancer strategic bombers, had returned to their home bases in the United States. They had been at Fairford for months, supporting American operations during the war involving Iran.

What the Pentagon said

A Pentagon official said: "While operational security precluded us from confirming the movement of our assets and forces in real-time, we can acknowledge now that all US bombers that were deployed to RAF Fairford have re-deployed to their home stations in the United States."

US commanders are reported to have ordered the departure after the security incident and intelligence pointing to a possible threat linked to Tehran.

The incident

Five British men in their 20s from London were arrested near the base in the early hours of Sunday 27 September, after three vehicles were seen heading towards it. Around 85 homes in the nearby village of Whelford were evacuated while army bomb disposal experts examined the vehicles. No explosives were found, but police found a quantity of petrol.

The five were released on bail the following day. On Thursday, a sixth man, a 25-year-old British-Iranian dual national, was arrested in Westminster on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.

"Iran played a part"

Andy Burnham said "Iran played a part" in the alleged plot but declined to give details. Iran has denied any involvement and summoned the British ambassador in Tehran in protest at the arrests.

About the B-1

The B-1B Lancer is a long-range heavy bomber used by the US Air Force. It can fly at supersonic speeds and carry a large load of conventional weapons. It no longer carries nuclear weapons.

About RAF Fairford

RAF Fairford is a Royal Air Force station, but it is used mainly by the United States Air Force, which operates it as a base for heavy bombers deployed to Europe. It has one of the longest runways in Europe, and it hosts the Royal International Air Tattoo, one of the world's largest military air shows, each July.

The base has long been the focus of anti-war protests. In 2003, protesters broke into the base in an attempt to disable American bombers before the Iraq war.

The UK's position

The UK granted the United States access to the base for what it described as defensive operations in March, after initially hesitating over whether to become involved in the war. The decision proved controversial with some MPs and campaigners, who argued it risked making Britain a target.

What it means

The withdrawal is likely to reduce the risk of further incidents at the base in the short term, but it also raises questions about how the United States and its allies will protect military sites from attack. Security around other bases used by American forces in the UK, such as RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, is likely to be reviewed.

The investigation continues

Counter-terrorism police say the investigation remains "hugely complex", with several lines of inquiry. People with information can contact the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321.