The United States has withdrawn all of its B-1 bombers from an air base in the United Kingdom.
“Operative Information Center-OMM” reports, citing Reuters.
A Pentagon spokesperson said the aircraft had returned to their permanent bases in the United States:
“We can confirm that all American bombers deployed at Fairford air base have returned to their permanent bases in the United States.”
The Pentagon added that US bombers remain ready to launch strikes from US territory.
The bombers had been stationed at Fairford air base, 145 kilometers west of London, and were being used to carry out strikes on Iran.
Several days ago, five people suspected of preparing terrorist attacks were detained near Fairford air base. The individuals, arrested by British police, were later released on bail. Details of the incident have not been disclosed. A sixth person, a British-Iranian national suspected of involvement in planning the attacks, was also released on bail.
Iran has denied any involvement in the alleged plot. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared Fairford air base a legitimate target in late July.
Fairford is one of the few US Air Force bases in Europe suitable for hosting heavy bombers. The base has previously played an important role in US military operations in the Middle East. During the US-Iran conflict, Washington received permission to use Fairford air base to strike Iranian missile installations.
