US bomber aircraft have left RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, seven months after being deployed amid heightened tensions in the US-Iran conflict. The remaining fleet of around a dozen B-1 bombers were tracked returning to their bases in the United States as of Sunday, October 4.
A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed the redeployment, stating that US Air Force bombers regularly operate globally to support readiness and operational requirements. The official explained that operational security meant decisions about asset movements were not publicly disclosed in real time.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio downplayed suggestions linking the withdrawal to recent security threats against the base. Speaking to reporters, he said the movement of assets is routine, involving redeployments and personnel rotations. ``We’ve documented what happened last week. I wouldn’t directly tie that to the move that was made,'' he remarked.
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In contrast, former President Donald Trump later indicated the relocation was related to perceived threats. Responding to questions, he said, ``Yeah, I think we can say that. They didn’t fly out by accident. No, but there were some threats and rather than tempting the enemy, we’ll capture the enemy and beat the enemy. But why should we keep them there? So we moved them around a little bit, not very far.''
Roz Savage, the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for South Cotswolds, welcomed the bombers' departure but emphasised the need for further scrutiny to ensure the safety of local communities. She expressed ongoing concerns about the risks of using a base so close to civilian populations for sensitive military operations. On her Facebook page, she stated, ``The withdrawal does not make the questions raised by recent events disappear. I have written to the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary requesting an urgent meeting, and I will continue to press for answers about security arrangements, communication between the base, police and local authorities, and how residents will be protected and informed if another incident occurs.''
She added, ``We must learn the important lessons of what happened, and put the safety and wellbeing of local communities at the heart of decisions about the future use of RAF Fairford by US forces.''
The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) has also welcomed the removal of the US bombers after staging protests outside RAF Fairford over the past seven months. CND General Secretary Sophie Bolt said, ``CND welcomes the removal of US long-range bombers from Britain - this is something we have long campaigned for. This also extends to the removal of US nuclear weapons - now stationed at RAF Lakenheath - US fighter jets, personnel, and US military control of RAF bases. It’s time to end the uncontrolled and unaccountable foreign military presence in this country.''