US removes all bombers from RAF Fairford following the incident

A decision seen as a military rather than a political one

As per the BBC, 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.

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

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.