Zillar Barta Desk,Washington/London: The United States has sought to play down speculation surrounding the withdrawal of its bombers from RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying that the movement of American military aircraft was part of the normal rotation and redeployment of assets.
The Pentagon confirmed that all U.S. bombers deployed at RAF Fairford had returned to their home stations in the United States. The aircraft included long-range bombers such as the B-1, which have been operating from the Gloucestershire airbase as part of U.S. military operations and global force-readiness activities.
Asked why the bombers had left Fairford, Rubio said the United States regularly moves military assets around the world depending on exercises, redeployments and operational requirements.
“It’s not unusual to see rotations happen and movement of assets to different parts of the world,” Rubio said, adding that the process can involve “new planes coming in” while “old planes” leave. He also said he would not directly link the bomber movement to the security incident that occurred near the base last week.
The withdrawal comes amid an investigation into a suspected plot targeting the RAF Fairford area. British authorities arrested five men near the base on September 27 on suspicion of terrorism and explosives-related offences. A British-Iranian national was also subsequently arrested in connection with the investigation. The suspects have been released on bail, and British authorities say the investigation is continuing.
The incident has raised questions over the security of RAF Fairford, an important operating location for the U.S. Air Force in Europe. The base has been used for American bomber operations and has played a significant role in supporting U.S. long-range military capabilities.
Rubio said Washington remained confident in the security of its bases and praised cooperation with British authorities. The Pentagon has also stressed that the withdrawal does not mean the U.S. bomber force is no longer operationally ready.
According to the Pentagon, American B-1, B-2 and B-52 crews remain capable of conducting precision global strike missions, including operations launched from the continental United States.
The circumstances surrounding the withdrawal remain under scrutiny. While Rubio described the movement as consistent with normal military rotations, other reports have indicated that some aircraft were moved rapidly following new security concerns. British authorities have also continued to investigate possible links to Iran, although Tehran has denied involvement in the alleged plot.
For now, U.S. officials maintain that the bomber force remains ready for missions worldwide, while RAF Fairford continues to operate as an important U.S.-UK military facility.
