London guarantees Fairford’s security after US bombers withdraw

The office of British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that Fairford Air Base in Britain is secure, despite the departure of the US B1, B2 and B52 strategic aircraft stationed there.

The decision to withdraw the bombers was made by the Pentagon following an incident near the base, while the process of removing them was completed on Sunday.

Fairford was at the center of a suspected terrorist attack on September 27. Of the 20 suspects, five people were arrested on suspicion of planning to plant explosives. All five, including a British-Iranian citizen, were released on bail by the court, while investigations continue into the terrorist attack that was suspected of being planned for October 1.

US President Donald Trump has expressed dissatisfaction over the release of the detainees, amid suspicions that Iran may be behind the plot. The Downing Street spokesperson did not say whether Trump and Prime Minister Burnham had held a phone conversation.

Despite the situation, the British government appears to have no intention of changing its position on the air base. Authorities have also announced that they are investing £470 million to strengthen security at military bases across the island.

US officials said that specific threats had been identified 24 hours before the departure of the 12 strategic bombers from Fairford. The base is considered important for US military operations and is the preferred base in Europe for American bombers, as well as for the US Air Force’s Global Strike Command.