Suryaa Now International Desk
LONDON: The United States military has moved aircraft from RAF Mildenhall, a US-operated airbase in eastern England, following a reported security threat linked to Iran, according to a report published on Tuesday.
Two US aerial refuelling tankers and several other aircraft that had been operating from the base were diverted to Germany and other locations on Monday, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
The precise nature of the reported threat remains unclear and is still under discussion among US officials.
According to the report, security at RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath was raised to Force Protection Condition (FPCON) Charlie. This is the second-highest security alert level in the US Department of Defense system. It is used when intelligence indicates that a terrorist attack may be likely.
The UK Ministry of Defence declined to comment specifically on the aircraft movements. A spokesperson said the ministry does not routinely discuss the activities of other countries and that aircraft and other military assets move regularly according to operational requirements.
A US Air Force spokesperson also said aircraft are routinely rotated between military installations and operating locations for various reasons.
Earlier Security Incident at RAF Fairford
The latest reported movement comes weeks after the United States withdrew its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in southwest England following a security incident.
Five men were arrested near the base in September, with two others subsequently arrested on suspicion of assisting Iranian intelligence. The circumstances surrounding the incident have not been fully explained.
RAF Fairford had been used by US bombers involved in strikes against Iran. The incident raised concerns about the security of military facilities supporting US operations in the region.
Iran's ambassador to the UK has denied allegations of Iranian involvement in any plot against the airbase. However, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has previously warned that British bases used to launch attacks against Iran could be considered legitimate targets.
The latest aircraft movements highlight heightened security concerns surrounding US military facilities in Britain amid the continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran. However, US and British authorities have not publicly confirmed the specific nature of the reported threat.
By: Suryaa Web Desk
