US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that the withdrawal of US bombers from RAF Fairford in Britain is not directly related to the arrest of people suspected of preparing a terrorist act near the base.
"The War Department is constantly reallocating resources where they are needed. Aircraft rotations are also something normal," Rubio stated, denying a direct link between the aircraft movement and the security incident.
The Pentagon has confirmed that US bombers stationed at RAF Fairford have returned to their bases in the US. The aircraft are used by the US Air Force for long-range operations, and the move comes as authorities investigate a possible threat to the base.
The incident at RAF Fairford occurred on September 27, when British police arrested five people near the base after reports of suspicious vehicles moving towards it. Those arrested were questioned on suspicion of explosives-related offences and preparation of a terrorist act.
On October 1, British authorities arrested another British-Iranian citizen in London, expanding the investigation to six people. British authorities have also examined the possibility of a connection to Iran, while Tehran has denied any involvement.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that there are "strong indications" of possible Iranian involvement in the incident, while the investigation continues.
Despite the withdrawal of the bombers, US officials have stressed that US military capabilities have not been compromised. RAF Fairford remains a key hub for US air operations in Europe and has served as a forward base for US bombers.
