US pulls bombers from UK air base after suspected terror plot | BBC News

The US has withdrawn all of its bombers from RAF Fairford in the UK after an alleged terror plot targeting the base was reported. The Pentagon said the B-1 strategic bombers deployed there have returned to their home stations in the United States. Washington had been using the airfield to launch strikes on Iran. British counter-terrorism police arrested six suspects in connection with the planned attack, which US and British officials said was disrupted the previous Sunday. Five British men were initially detained near the base, and a 25-year-old dual British-Iranian citizen was later arrested. All have been released on bail while inquiries continue. Iran has denied any connection to the alleged plot.

• US bombers have left RAF Fairford after an alleged terror plot against the base
• Six suspects arrested by British counter-terrorism police; all released on bail
• Investigation ongoing; the UK Prime Minister cited 'strong indications' of Iranian involvement
• Iran has denied any connection to the alleged operation

The US has withdrawn all its bombers aircraft stationed at RAF Fairford in the UK following an alleged terror plot to target the facility. Washington has ben using the airfield to launch strikes on Iran, including deploying the B-1 strategic bomber. In a statement the Pentagon said: “We can acknowledge now that all US bombers that were deployed to RAF Fairford have redeployed to their home stations in the United States.” The withdrawal of a dozen B-1 strategic aircraft comes after British counter-terrorism police arrested six suspects in connection with a planned attack on the base that US and British officials said was disrupted last Sunday. Police initially detained five British men near RAF Fairford after three suspicious vans were reported nearby. The suspects were released on police bail while remaining under investigation. Ccounterterrorism officers then arrested a 25-year-old dual British-Iranian citizen on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts linked to the incident. He has also been released on bail while inquiries continue. The US President Donald Trump has said a planned attack was intended to do “big damage” and claimed that suspects were under investigation by both US and British authorities. Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that his country handed Britain intelligence about the suspected terror plot. The British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were "strong indications" pointing to Iranian involvement in the incident near the airbase, although he stressed that the police investigation remained ongoing. Iran has denied any connection to an alleged terror operation. Clive Myrie presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Tom Symonds. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews