Key facts
- US Air Force bombers have been redeployed from RAF Fairford in the UK.
- The redeployment followed arrests linked to a suspected terror plot.
- British authorities have strong indications of Iran's involvement.
- Iran has denied any involvement in the alleged terror plot.
- US President Donald Trump stated plotters planned 'big damage'.
The United States has withdrawn all of its bombers from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, UK, following arrests linked to a suspected terror plot. A US department official confirmed the redeployment to home stations in America. The move follows a security incident on September 27 when police were alerted to three suspicious vehicles near the base. British authorities have indicated strong suspicions of Iran's involvement, though Tehran has denied any participation. Six individuals, all UK nationals from London aged between 23 and 25, were initially arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and later for preparing a terrorist act, before being released on bail. A seventh man, aged 25, was arrested in London on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts and also released on bail. RAF Fairford has served as a forward operating location for the US Air Force for decades, supporting operations during conflicts in the Middle East. The base recently underwent a £25 million refurbishment, including taxiway resurfacing and aircraft stand replacement, to accommodate larger aircraft.