The US is withdrawing its bombers from the British RAF Fairford air base, which was targeted by an alleged terrorist attack

American B-52 and B-1 bombers were redeployed to their bases in the United States after operating from RAF Fairford in England, which was used during the war in Iran. The information was confirmed on Sunday by a Pentagon official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss sensitive military movements.

Aviation observers from the Military Air Tracking Alliance have tracked dozens of American bombers operating from RAF Fairford in recent weeks. On Sunday, they observed several B-1 bombers taking off from the base, before the aircraft were redeployed.

The withdrawal comes amid security incidents and a counterterrorism investigation near the base. Five British citizens were arrested near RAF Fairford, on suspicion of possessing explosives and committing terrorist offenses. Police evacuated several homes in the village of Whelford and described the situation as a “major incident.”

Subsequently, a dual British-Iranian citizen was arrested on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack. British counterterrorism police released him on bail on Saturday while the investigation continues. British authorities linked the incident to Tehran.