Donald Trump has confirmed that security threats prompted the United States to remove its bombers from RAF Fairford.
The US president’s comments follow the departure of military aircraft from the Gloucestershire airfield, near the Wiltshire border, amid an investigation into a suspected terror plot.
Six men have been arrested in connection with the alleged plot targeting the base, which had been used by US bombers carrying out strikes against Iran.
Asked about the withdrawal outside the White House on Monday (5 October), Trump confirmed the aircraft had been moved in response to a threat.
He said: “Yeah, I think we can say that. They didn’t fly out by accident.”
He added: “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.”
He also said: “We actually know the people who made the threat.”
BBC News reported that the threat related to the possibility of a drone attack. Wiltshire 999s understands this led to the extension of a no-fly zone in the area.
The Pentagon announced on Sunday that the bombers had flown back to their bases in America. It said the US Air Force remained capable of launching strikes anywhere at any time.
US officials told The New York Times that more specific threat details received over the weekend had prompted the decision.
Vice President JD Vance also described the move as a precaution to safeguard American personnel.
He said the aircraft had been redeployed “out of an abundance of caution, trying to protect our guys”.
Vance accused Iran of involvement in terrorism, although his comments did not establish an Iranian connection to the suspected Fairford plot.
The remarks contrasted with the explanation offered earlier by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who declined to directly connect the withdrawal with the security alert.
He pointed to routine military movements, including exercises and changes of aircraft and personnel, as reasons assets could be relocated.
Downing Street maintained on Monday that RAF Fairford was safe, while declining to discuss the American decision to remove its bombers.
