US President Donald Trump stated on 5/10 that the withdrawal was a proactive measure. "There were some threats. Instead of giving enemies an opportunity to act, we can apprehend them, defeat them, so why keep the planes there? So, we moved them a bit, but not too far," Trump said.
Trump declined to comment on reports that the threats US officials were concerned about involved potential drone attacks. However, he warned that if such an attack occurred, he would make the perpetrators "suffer severe consequences."
"We truly know who made those threats. They are linked to Iran," Trump added.
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President Donald Trump in Grand Island, Nebraska, on 5/10. Photo: AP
Pentagon officials had previously confirmed that all strategic bombers deployed to Fairford air base in the UK had returned to their home bases in the US. While the specific number of aircraft was not disclosed, open-source data indicated that 12 B-1B Lancer strategic bombers were stationed at Fairford, with some having been newly deployed in recent days.
The withdrawal of bombers from Fairford air base was considered so urgent that some B-1Bs departed even before their supporting refueling aircraft could take off to accompany them back to the US.
The New York Times, citing two US officials, reported that the Pentagon's decision followed intelligence received by commanders regarding "new threats related to an Iran-backed plot" targeting the base.
US B-1B aircraft deployed to Fairford air base in 2023. Video: USAF
On 27/9, British police announced the arrest of five men and the seizure of three white vans near Whelford village, located just a few hundred meters from Fairford air base. The group faced accusations of violating explosives regulations and "suspicion of preparing terrorist acts."
This information immediately caused a stir, especially since Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had previously warned Britain it "will pay the price" if it continued to allow US B-1B squadrons to launch airstrikes against the West Asian nation from Fairford air base.
British counter-terrorism police reported on 29/9 that while they found gasoline in barrels during the vehicle searches, no explosive devices were discovered. The five men were subsequently released on bail after more than one day in custody, despite British police having the legal authority to detain terrorism suspects for up to two weeks.
Speculation about the incident's motive ranges from the risk of terrorism to potential fuel theft, particularly as energy prices in Britain reached record highs this week.
Ngoc Anh (via AFP, Reuters)
