The United States Air Force has removed all of its B-1 bombers from the Gloucestershire air base back to home stations at the centre of a suspected terror plot last month.
At least 12 American bombers were stationed at RAF Fairford until the Pentagon hastily ordered the planes to return on October 4.
Some of the aircraft had only arrived days ago at the air base, which had been used as the ‘preferred’ hub for launching bomber strikes in Iran, prompting questions over why they have been removed so rapidly.
Officials did not explicitly reveal why the planes were removed, but it comes just days after ‘three suspicious vehicles’ were spotted close to RAF Fairford.
Five men aged between 23 and 25, all UK nationals, were initially arrested on suspicion of explosive offences and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. They have all been released on bail.
A UK-Iranian national, 25, was subsequently arrested in London on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act and also released on bail. Counter-terror police are continuing to investigate the matter.
In another twist to the circumstances surrounding the incident, the suspected bomb plot was foiled after one of the suspects called the police himself.
After receiving the emergency call, armed police rushed to the scene, rounded up the suspects and removed their clothing amid fears they may have been wearing suicide vests.
