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US bombers leave Fairford and return to their home bases

All US bombers deployed to RAF Fairford have returned to their home bases, a US defence official confirmed on Sunday. The withdrawal follows arrests near the British airfield, but Washington has not announced why it moved the aircraft. British and Iranian officials dispute allegations about Tehran’s involvement in the security incident.

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A heavy bomber prepares to land over a broad runway.

Bombers return to the United States

All American bombers deployed to RAF Fairford, the British air base in Gloucestershire used by the US Air Force, have returned to their home stations in the United States. A US defence official confirmed the redeployment on Sunday. Washington has not announced a reason for the withdrawal, and Britain’s Ministry of Defence did not comment.[1], [2]

Sources told the BBC the decision was taken at a military operational level and communicated to British counterparts by the US military.[1]

Six suspects released on bail

The redeployment follows a police investigation into suspicious vehicles near Fairford. Five British men from London were arrested on September 27 on suspicion of explosives offences and subsequently preparing a terrorist act. They were released on police bail. A British-Iranian man arrested later in London was also released on bail, counterterrorism police confirmed on Saturday.[1]

Iran rejects British allegations

Prime Minister Andy Burnham alleged strong indications of Iranian involvement without providing details. Iran strongly denied the allegation. Fairford has served as an American forward operating location for decades. US bombers used it for flights towards the Middle East after Britain authorised the use of its bases for defensive strikes against Iran. Tehran had warned in July that bases used for aggression against Iranian territory would be treated as legitimate targets.[1]

References

  1. News sourceBBCUS bombers return home from Fairford↩1↩2↩3↩4
  2. News sourceCBS NewsUS bombers return home from RAF Fairford↩
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