US Withdraws UK B-1 Lancer Airplanes as a Threat

The USA hastily withdrew all B-1 Lancer heavy bombers stationed at RAF Fairford Air Base in England due to a new threat whose details were not disclosed. The fact that the planes were taken directly to the USA instead of being shifted to another base in the region raised questions about the extent of the threat behind Washington's decision.

WHY DID THE PLANES WITHDRAWAL SUDDENLY?

According to CNN International, the US move regarding the B-1 Lancer fleet came right after a remarkable investigation carried out around the base in England. US officials pointed out that returning the bombers directly to their home base in the US rather than deploying them to another point in Europe was an extremely unusual and critical decision.

The fact that the decision was taken immediately after an investigation into an Iran-related conspiracy allegedly targeting RAF Fairford Air Base increased the attention further.

RESULTS OF DETENTIONS AROUND THE BASE

On September 27, British police detained five British citizens near the base. The suspects, aged between 23 and 25, were detained on suspicion of explosives and terrorist crimes, and no explosives were found during the searches of their vehicles.

The suspects were later released on bail. US President Donald Trump criticized the release of these people. Finally, a 25-year-old British-Iranian dual citizen was detained in the investigation on Thursday.

'THERE ARE STRONG INDICATORS'

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said in his statement about the investigation that there were "strong indications" that Iran was behind the incident.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also stated that a foreign state actor played a role in the incident and drew attention to Iran's threats to target US interests around the world.

The Tehran administration flatly denied the accusations and described the allegations as completely unfounded. Iran additionally summoned London's ambassador to Tehran to the Foreign Office to protest the UK's approach.

Following the developments, the USA withdrew all of its long-range B-1 Lancer bombers directly from Europe to its country, causing the public to ask "how big is the threat?" brought up the question. The fact that Washington only pointed to a new threat, the details of which were not disclosed, as the reason for the decision further increased the uncertainty behind the incident.