LONDON - The United States moved B-1 bombers out of RAF Fairford in Britain because of concerns about a possible Iranian-linked drone attack plot, two U.S. officials told Reuters.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity. Iran has denied involvement in any alleged plot against RAF Fairford, a key British base used by U.S. heavy bombers.
Britain’s counterterrorism police said Oct. 6 that they arrested a 22-year-old British man in central London on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. He was the seventh person detained in the investigation.
Seven Arrests, No Charges Announced
Five British men in their 20s were arrested near the base on Sept. 27. A 25-year-old British-Iranian man was later detained in London. All six were released on bail while the investigation continued, according to The Associated Press.
Police found gasoline in vehicles linked to the suspects but did not find explosives. British authorities have said they are examining the possibility of foreign involvement, but they have not publicly presented evidence tying Tehran to the suspected plot, and no charges have been announced.
U.S. European Command declined to discuss intelligence or specific force-protection measures. It said American B-1, B-2 and B-52 bombers can conduct long-range missions from the continental United States, allowing the aircraft to remain operational after leaving Britain.
RAF Fairford is one of the principal European bases used by U.S. strategic bombers and has supported operations against Iran. The original Russian-language report was published by Vesti Baku.