Kathmandu, October 7
The United States has recalled dozens of B-1 bomber aircraft stationed at the Royal Air Force Fairford base in the UK amid an increased risk of a possible terrorist attack. US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran was behind the security threat as well as a recent alleged attack attempt involving a flydubai aircraft.
The US abruptly returned B-1 Lancer bombers deployed at PCS Fairford Air Base in Britain.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said the move was part of a routine diplomatic and military rotation and was not linked to any direct threat. However, within hours, President Trump contradicted Rubio, saying the aircraft had been withdrawn because of a security threat allegedly backed by Iran.
“The planes did not leave suddenly. There was a real threat there,” Trump told reporters. Asked about an alleged Iranian plan to launch an attack from British territory using drones or other means, Trump warned, “If they have the audacity to do that, they will pay a big price.”
Arrests in Britain and Israeli intelligence
British security authorities last week arrested several British-Iranian dual nationals suspected of planning an attack near Fairford Air Base. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had provided Britain with intelligence about the alleged attack plot.
When asked about the alleged terrorist attack attempt on a flydubai flight, Trump also accused Iran of being directly involved or having encouraged the incident.
On September 30, flydubai co-pilot Hammam Al-Hammami, an Omani national, allegedly attacked the aircraft’s captain in the cockpit with a “Crash Axe” while the plane was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Following the attack, the co-pilot reportedly put the aircraft into a steep descent, causing it to lose around 16,000 feet of altitude in 30 seconds. He allegedly intended to crash the aircraft into Ben Gurion Airport or a tower in Tel Aviv in a suicide attack.
The incident was brought under control after the injured captain, two retired pilots and courageous passengers entered the cockpit and restrained the attacker. The aircraft was later diverted for an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
The Pentagon has said its strategic B-1, B-2 and B-52 bombers remain fully capable and ready to conduct precision strikes anywhere in the world after taking off from bases within the United States.
