Trump says there were new ‘threats’ which led to US pulling bombers from RAF Fairford

‘So we moved them around a little bit. Not very far’

Following confirmation by the Pentagon on Sunday that it had removed the bombers, reportedly a dozen B-1s, Trump told reporters on Monday that the US was aware of a “threat” to the base.

Just hours prior to Trump’s statement, a spokesperson from the UK government insisted earlier that the base was safe.

Comments made by Trump seemed to confirm reports by US media earlier in the day that a new threat led to the bombers being removed.

Last month, on 27 September, police were alerted to three “suspicious vehicles” near the airbase.

Trump speaking to reporters on 5 October, ahead of his travel to Nebraska for a midterm campaign rally. Credit: Getty Images

Trump reveals reasons, adding they ‘didn't fly out by accident’

“Yeah, I think we can say that. They didn't fly out by accident”, Trump replied when asked by reporters outside the White House if a “specific threat” led to the US pulling its bombers.

“There were some threats. And rather than tempting the enemy, we'll capture the enemy and beat the enemy. But why should we leave them there? So we moved them around a little bit. Not very far.”

Washington “actually knows the people that made the threat”, Trump added, without giving any confirmation on those responsible.

As per the BBC, citing sources in Washington, there were speculations that the aircraft’s removal from RAF Fairford might have revolved around sabotage attempts or attempts to strike the sensitive, expensive aircraft in the event of resumed hostilities with Iran.

As an example of what an enemy force could do, even at a distance, as they spoke to the BBC, one source close to the White House pointed to Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb.

This was a covert drone attack on five Russian bases in June last year.

Meanwhile, US media outlets such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Axios, citing unnamed officials reported that the potential attack may have been designed to target the aircraft and kill personnel.

A Rockwell B1 Lancer heavy bomber takes off from runway 27 to depart for home at RAF Fairford on Sunday, 4 October. Credit: Getty Images

A decision seen as a military rather than a political one

An official of a US department confirmed on Sunday that the country has removed its bombers, reportedly a dozen B-1s.

The major incident happened on 27 September at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

On suspicion of terror offences near the base, five men were initially arrested and then released on bail.

Meanwhile, a sixth suspect, a UK-Iranian national, was also later arrested and released.

The decision for the withdrawal was a military decision rather than a political one, according to the BBC.

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.