Trump cites unspecified threat as reason for US bomber withdrawal from RAF Fairford
President Donald Trump said a security threat prompted the United States to relocate B-1 bombers from the RAF Fairford base in England, while officials emphasized routine asset rotations and ongoing investigations into a recent incident at the airfield.
The United States moved roughly a dozen B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire back to U.S. bases after a security incident, President Donald Trump said the action was driven by "some threats" to the airfield.
Trump told reporters outside the White House that the decision was not accidental and that Washington had identified the source of the threat, though he did not specify who was responsible.
The Pentagon confirmed the aircraft had been redeployed, and a No 10 spokesperson earlier affirmed the base remained safe, citing Trump’s prior praise for the UK’s police and security services.
British authorities are investigating the September 27 incident in which police were alerted to three suspicious vehicles near the base. Five men were arrested on suspicion of terror offences and later released on bail, along with a sixth suspect, a UK-Iranian national.
U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, described the relocation as a routine rotation of assets, noting that such movements are common for exercises, redeployments and personnel changes. Rubio added that the United States retains full confidence in the security of its overseas bases and praised British cooperation.
White House officials suggested the threat could involve sabotage attempts or attacks similar to covert drone operations, and one source linked it to Iran, though Tehran denied any involvement. Prime Minister Andy Burnham also indicated strong indications of Iranian participation, without providing details.