America Withdraws B-1 Bombers from Fairford Base in Britain

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The United States has withdrawn all of its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford, located northwest of London, in a move that U.S. officials said on Sunday was due to "security concerns related to suspected terrorist plots against the base."

In the past, American bombers launched from the base participated in strikes against targets inside Iran. Before their recent withdrawal, there were 12 B-1 bombers stationed at the base, according to the Wall Street Journal.

For its part, the Pentagon clarified in a statement that "operational security considerations prevented the immediate confirmation of U.S. military forces and assets movements," but it confirmed that "all U.S. bombers that were deployed at RAF Fairford have returned to their main bases within the United States."

The Pentagon also added that the bombers remain ready to conduct long-range strikes from U.S. territory.

In contrast, the British Ministry of Defense refused to comment on the decision.

The Wall Street Journal also reported that American officials "were aware of a plot linked to Iran targeting American bombers and personnel at the base."

According to a senior American official, "a branch of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard recruited British citizens to carry out the plot, which included several phases, including executing a distraction operation in an area adjacent to the base before carrying out the attack."

The American move came after the arrest of 6 suspects in connection with a potential attack on the base, which an American and British official announced had been thwarted last Sunday.

Meanwhile, British authorities released the suspects on bail while investigations continue.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Wednesday that there are "strong indications" of Iran's involvement in the incident.

Meanwhile, Iran stated that the accusations against it are baseless and summoned the British ambassador in Tehran on Thursday regarding the issue.