The United States has withdrawn all its bomber aircraft from Royal Air Force (RAF) Fairford, a military base in the United Kingdom, following intelligence of a potential terrorist attack. The Pentagon confirmed the move on Sunday, October 4, 2026, after a US official described the recent threat as a “real-world event” with “specific details and a heightened sense of urgency” emerging 24 hours before the withdrawal.
British authorities stated that the attempted attack was thwarted in time. The withdrawal came after six suspects were arrested in connection with the alleged plot, prompting the US to re-evaluate its security arrangements. The investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing (UK), with Chief Lawrence Taylor and Senior National Coordinator Vicky Evans overseeing the efforts.
Bomber withdrawal and arrests
Approximately a dozen US aircraft, including B-1, B-2, and B-52 bombers, were stationed at RAF Fairford. At least 10 B-1 bombers departed for the US on Sunday, October 4, 2026. Six B-52 aircraft had already returned by late September. The Pentagon stated that information regarding the movement of aircraft was not released in real-time due to military security concerns, and confirmation was only provided after all aircraft had returned.
The decision to withdraw the aircraft followed the arrest of five British citizens, aged 23 to 25, on Sunday, September 27, 2026. They were apprehended near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts and under the Explosive Substances Act. Investigators found petrol, a flammable substance, in three vans linked to the suspects, but no explosive devices were discovered.
All five individuals were released on police bail on Monday, September 28, 2026. However, the investigation remains ongoing, and strict conditions have been imposed on their movement and contacts. Subsequently, a 25-year-old British-Iranian dual national was arrested in London on Thursday, October 1, 2026, also on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. He was released on bail on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Responding to these developments, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated there were “strong suggestions” of Iranian involvement in the suspected terrorist plot. However, the Iranian Embassy in London “categorically denied and strongly condemned” any involvement in the incident. US President Donald Trump criticized the decision to release the five suspects on bail, remarking, “I would not have done that.”
Background of threats and UK base usage
The incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions. In March 2026, then-British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had permitted US forces to use UK bases, including RAF Fairford, for “specific and limited defensive actions” against Iran.
Further escalating the situation, in July 2026, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a direct threat to attack RAF Fairford. The IRGC explicitly stated that any base used for attacks against Iranian territory would be considered a legitimate target.
The events leading to the arrests began early on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 12:45 AM British Summer Time (BST), when police received reports of three suspicious vehicles heading towards RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. A local farmer also reported seeing vans blocking roads and a group of hooded and masked individuals. Following this intelligence, bomb disposal units were deployed, and 85 households were evacuated as a precautionary measure.
On Monday, September 28, 2026, after the five arrested men were released on police bail, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham chaired an emergency COBRA meeting to assess the incident’s implications.
Investigation continues, US military readiness
US officials have affirmed that the withdrawal of the aircraft does not compromise the US military’s capacity to strike foreign targets. They emphasized that airmen are prepared to provide global strike capabilities from the US mainland. However, one US official described the recent threat as a “real-world event,” noting “specific details and a heightened sense of urgency” approximately 24 hours before the withdrawal.
The investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing is ongoing, exploring multiple angles, including the potential involvement of foreign states such as Iran or Russia. All six individuals arrested remain on police bail under strict conditions, and none have been formally charged.
Several aspects of the alleged plot remain unclear. While British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated strong suspicions of Iranian involvement, investigators have not publicly released concrete evidence confirming direct state sponsorship. The precise motive behind the suspects’ actions is still under investigation, with initial speculations even including fuel theft due to high energy prices. The full scope and specific targets of the alleged plan have not been publicly detailed, and the UK Ministry of Defence has not yet commented on the bomber withdrawal.
