US B-1 Bombers Withdrawn from UK Base Due to Threats

Washington (ANTARA) - US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that a number of US Air Force B-1 Lancer bombers have been moved from Royal Air Force (RAF) Base Fairford in the United Kingdom due to specific threats, rather than by coincidence.

“Yes, I think we can say that. They did not fly out by coincidence,” Trump told reporters when asked whether specific threats had caused the bombers to be withdrawn from the base.

Earlier on Monday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the decision was part of a normal rotation of military assets and denied that the move was related to recent incidents at the airbase.

Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance stated that the bombers were moved as a precautionary measure.

On 27 September, five British citizens were arrested near the airbase on suspicion of violating Explosives Act regulations. They were released on bail the following day.

On 1 October, a British-Iranian dual national was arrested in connection with the case but was subsequently released on bail.

RAF Fairford is the only base in Europe that serves as a landing hub for US strategic bombers. The base has previously been used to launch attacks against Iraq and the former Yugoslavia.

In March, British authorities permitted the US to use the base for military operations against Iran. However, the UK has stated that US aircraft may only use the base for defensive operations.

In July, protests against US aggression were held outside the base.