The US has withdrawn all of its bombers from RAF Fairford amid a counter-terrorism investigation into the arrest of five men near the base last month.
The Pentagon confirmed in a statement on Sunday that the country has removed its bombers, reportedly a dozen B-1s.
A specific reason has not been given by Washington for the move, but it comes after a major incident on 27 September at the UK military base in Gloucestershire.
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The Pentagon’s statement reads: “U.S. Air Force bombers routinely operate around the world to support global force readiness and operational requirements. While operational security precluded us from confirming the movement of our assets and forces in real-time, we can acknowledge now that all U.S. bombers that were deployed to RAF Fairford have re-deployed to their home stations in the United States.
“The Airmen that operate America’s bomber force, including B-1s, B-2s, and B-52s, remain ready to deliver precision global strike capabilities – including through operations that launch and recover from the continental United States – anywhere, anytime.”
Five men were arrested on suspicion of terror offences near the base before being then released on bail.
Meanwhile, a sixth suspect, a UK-Iranian national, was also later arrested and released.
No reason given for withdrawal of the bombers
While the US did not give a reason for the withdrawal of the bombers, it comes amid investigations by counter terror police after three “suspicious vehicles” were found near the airbase.
The decision for the withdrawal was a military decision rather than a political one, according to the BBC.
While the UK’s Ministry of Defence has not commented, B-1 bombers were seen flying out of RAF Fairford on Sunday, as per tracking websites.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said just days after the incident that there were “strong indications” that Iran had played a part in the incident, however Iran has strongly denied any involvement.
Counter terrorism police last week confirmed that the men arrested were all from London and aged between 23 and 25.
The group were arrested near the military base early on Sunday (27 September), and a police custody extension had been secured until later on Monday.
The five men were initially detained on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and preparing a terrorist act contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act.
Britain’s decision to release the arrested men on bail after the alleged terror plot was questioned by US President Donald Trump.
“I wouldn’t have done that,” Trump said when asked about the suspects’ release.