The United States has withdrawn B-1 bombers stationed at RAF Fairford in southern England following an incident that led to the arrest of six suspects, the Pentagon said.
“All US bombers that had been deployed to the RAF Fairford base have returned to their bases in the United States,” the US War Department said in a statement.
Six suspects arrested
British police intervened near RAF Fairford in late September after receiving an emergency call reporting “three suspicious vehicles”.
Police found no explosive devices inside the vehicles but discovered a quantity of fuel.
Six men were subsequently arrested. Five British nationals were detained at the scene, while a British-Iranian man was arrested several days later.
They are suspected of preparing a terrorist act and have since been released on bail. Several aspects of the case remain unclear.
Britain points to possible Iran link
Last Wednesday, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were “strong indications” that Iran was involved in the incident.
Tehran has categorically denied any involvement.
On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli intelligence agencies had shared information with London about an alleged Iran-backed terrorist plot.
US President Donald Trump expressed his “disappointment” over the suspects being released on bail.
RAF Fairford used for US military operations
RAF Fairford has been used by the United States since March in connection with the war against the Islamic Republic.
According to London, the base has supported “defensive” operations following US-Israeli strikes that began on February 28.
Also read: Christodoulides: “Sky is the limit” for bilateral relations with USA
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