Pentagon withdraws B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford after five arrests

The Pentagon is withdrawing all B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in England, according to NBC News, days after British police arrested five men near the installation. Two officials described the aircraft movement to NBC as quick or rushed, but the reporting does not establish that the withdrawal was complete or publicly explain where the bombers were headed.

The U.S. bombers RAF Fairford withdrawal follows a security incident that put the base and its surrounding villages on alert. No direct Pentagon or U.S. Air Force statement in the available reporting explains the reason for the bomber move.

Why are B-1 bombers leaving RAF Fairford?

NBC reported that the withdrawal came after the arrests near the base. The New York Times separately reported that U.S. officials described threats from what they said was an Iran-based plot against the installation.

British authorities have not publicly established a motive. Reuters reported that a source familiar with the investigation viewed an Iran-linked motive as the leading possibility, while Russian sabotage and an Islamist plot were also being examined. AP reporting said authorities were investigating a possible Iran connection.

That distinction matters: the reported bomber departure and the police response are established events, while responsibility for the suspected threat remains under investigation.

What have police confirmed about the RAF Fairford incident?

Counterterrorism police received a call at 12:45 a.m. about three suspicious vehicles apparently traveling toward RAF Fairford, according to AP reporting published by PBS. Armed officers arrested five men near the base in the Whelford area.

Reuters reported that the men were later held on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. The initial arrests involved suspected explosives and terrorism offenses, police said. Authorities have not publicly said who they believe was behind the incident.

• Police set a 400-meter cordon around the vehicles, Reuters and AP reported.
• Bomb-disposal personnel and the army examined the vehicles, according to the reports.
• About 85 nearby households were evacuated as a precaution, Reuters and AP reported.

Vicki Evans, a senior counterterrorism policing coordinator, said the inquiry was in its early stages, according to AP. Reuters reported that police said the immediate incident was contained.

RAF Fairford had been used by U.S. bombers for limited strikes on Iranian missile sites, AP reported. Reuters reported that Iran's Revolutionary Guards had warned in July that bases used to launch attacks on Iran would be legitimate targets.

A U.S. Air Force spokesperson told Reuters it would not discuss specific security measures, while saying U.S. forces based in Britain remained vigilant and would take steps to protect personnel, civilians, contractors and their families.

This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.