NEW YORK, The United States has moved its B-1 bombers from a UK air base back to the US.
The Pentagon confirmed the move on Sunday. The decision came one week after British police arrested several men near RAF Fairford.
The men faced suspicion over possible terrorist acts. British police are still investigating the case.
US Moves Bombers Back to America
About 12 B-1 bombers had operated from RAF Fairford in western England.
The aircraft had taken part in US strikes against Iran.
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A Pentagon spokesman said all US bombers at Fairford had now returned to their home bases in the United States. The Pentagon had earlier declined to discuss the aircraft movements for security reasons.
The Wall Street Journal first reported the bomber withdrawal.
The move came as British authorities increased security around the base.
Britain Suspects Iran Link
British officials have raised concerns about a possible Iranian link to the case.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Britain had “strong indications” of Iranian involvement in the suspected plot.
Iran has rejected the claim. Tehran called the accusation baseless and summoned the British ambassador.
British police have not confirmed Iran’s role in the case.
The investigation remains open. Police are also looking at the possibility of foreign state involvement.
Fairford Supported US Strikes on Iran
RAF Fairford sits northwest of London.
The US has used the base for long-range bomber missions. The base also supported recent US operations against Iran.
Britain allowed the US to use bombers at Fairford for strikes on Iranian missile sites.
Those missile sites had targeted ships in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Reuters report.
US President Donald Trump said the suspects planned to cause “big damage.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also suggested that a foreign actor could have played a role.
Iran has denied any involvement in the alleged plot.
