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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Christopher McKeon

RAF Fairford is ‘safe’ Britain insists – after US withdraws bombers

  • The Pentagon has confirmed that all US Air Force bombers stationed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire have been redeployed to the United States following specific threats and security concerns linked to a suspected terror plot.
  • Downing Street has insisted the British airbase remains safe, with the prime minister 's official spokesman pointing to established defence protocols for military sites across the country, whilst declining to comment on foreign military operations.
  • Six suspects arrested in connection with the security alert near the base, including five British nationals and a dual UK-Iranian national, have all been released on bail after counter-terror police found petrol but no explosive devices in involved vans.
  • Prime minister Andy Burnham stated there were strong indications of Iranian involvement in the incident, which was supported by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claiming Israel supplied critical intelligence regarding the planned attack.
  • US president Donald Trump expressed disappointment at the UK authorities' decision to release the suspects on bail, while the US Air Force emphasised its bombers remain fully prepared to deliver global strike capabilities directly from the US continent.

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