US Moves Tankers Out of East Anglia as UK Base Security Hits Second-Highest Level
Aircraft were diverted from RAF Mildenhall to Germany following intelligence that suggested a likely terrorist threat from Iran.
By Andrew Yang ·
Five men were arrested outside RAF Fairford in September, triggering a chain of security responses that has now extended to eastern England. The latest action involves the relocation of two US refueling tankers and several other aircraft from RAF Mildenhall.
US military officials diverted the planes to Germany and other locations on Monday. According to The Wall Street Journal, the move was driven by a perceived threat from Iran. US officials are still discussing the specific nature of the risk that prompted the redeployment.
The security status at both RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath was raised to Force Protection Condition Charlie. This is the second-highest level in the US Department of Defense security system. The designation applies when intelligence indicates that a terrorist action is likely to occur.
A UK Ministry of Defence spokesperson said the ministry does not routinely comment on the activities of other nations. The official noted that aircraft and other military assets move regularly in accordance with operational requirements. A US Air Force spokesperson offered a similar explanation, stating that aircraft rotate between various installations for a range of reasons.
These developments follow a security incident at RAF Fairford in southwest England. In addition to the five men arrested outside the base, two other individuals were detained on suspicion of assisting Iranian intelligence. The US removed its B-1 bombers from the facility in September on security grounds.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said last month that the activity surrounding RAF Fairford was likely coordinated from Iran. The assessment has added to diplomatic tension between London and Tehran. The Iranian ambassador to the UK denied involvement in any plot against the airbase.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement in July declaring that RAF Fairford and any other base used to launch attacks against Iran constitute legitimate military targets. US forces remain in the United Kingdom as officials continue to assess the threat.
