US insists RAF Fairford bomber withdrawal not linked to security alert
US officials said the aircraft were moved after more specific threat details emerged, while six men were arrested in the investigation.
- On Sunday, the Pentagon confirmed all US bombers stationed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire had been redeployed to their home stations in the United States, though officials stressed the Air Force retained the ability to strike 'anywhere, anytime.'
- Security concerns intensified after six men were arrested over the past week in connection with a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford: five British nationals in their 20s detained September 27 and a 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national arrested October 1.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham said last week there were 'strong indications' Iran played a part in the incident, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Israel had warned UK authorities about an 'Iranian-sponsored attack.'
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio pushed back against suggestions the redeployment was triggered by recent security threats, telling reporters he would 'not directly tie' the departure to the suspected plot and characterizing it as routine military reallocation.
- The redeployment reduces US operational capacity to surge strikes against Iran in the short term, according to analyst Christoph Bergs of the Royal United Services Institute, while a NATO military official said the removal would not impact alliance capabilities across 32 nations.
15 Articles
15 Articles
The withdrawal of American bombers from the Farford base in Britain is linked to planned rotation, said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "The Ministry of War is constantly transferring resources to where they are needed. There is also regular rotation," said Rubio, commenting on reports of the redeployment of 12 bombers, transmitting RIA News. According to him, the situation has attracted public attention only because of an incident involving …
The removal of US bombs from RAF Fairford is not directly connected to the arrests of five men near the base, the US secretary of state has said.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remains confident in the security of all US bases. His comments came after five men were arrested near Britain's Fairford Air Base on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA. Asked about the US decision to withdraw its B-1 bombers from the British base, Rubio said the Department of Defense is constantly redeploying resources to where they are needed. The Secretary …
Al-Monitor
Cyprus MailRubio, asked about US bombers leaving UK, says no direct link with suspected plot
By Kate Holton and Jonathan LandayLONDON/WASHINGTON, Oct 5 (Reuters) - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday there was no direct link between the sudden removal of his country's bombers from a British airbase and a suspected Iranian plot at the site last week.
Rubio Shrugs Off Concerns Over U.S. Bomber Movements Out Of British Air Base
Secretary of State Marco Rubio pushed back against suggestions that the recent departure of American B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom was triggered by recent security threats, calling the redeployment standard military procedure. Speaking to reporters, Rubio was questioned about the removal of the aircraft following an incident at the base the […] Rubio Shrugs Off Concerns Over U.S. Bomber Movements Out Of British Air Base
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