US aircraft evacuated from second UK base after Iran threat
The US military moved aircraft from RAF Mildenhall in Britain on Monday following a security threat linked to Iran.
Aircraft movements and locations
Two US refueling tankers at RAF Mildenhall diverted to Germany earlier on Monday. Several other tankers at the base were moved to Germany and other locations later that day. The Wall Street Journal reported these actions citing people familiar with the matter. The precise nature of the threat remains under discussion among US officials.
Security posture upgrades
The report stated that the US upgraded security at RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath. Officials raised the posture to Force Protection Condition Charlie, the second-highest defensive threat level. This occurs when intelligence indicates a form of terrorist action is likely. A British Ministry of Defence spokesperson said aircraft move regularly according to operational requirements.
Previous Fairford incident
Five men were arrested outside RAF Fairford airbase in September over a security incident. Two others were arrested later on suspicion of assisting Iranian intelligence. The US removed its B-1 bombers from the Fairford airbase on security grounds. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said activity there was likely coordinated in Iran.
All 2 outlets report consistently
No differences in figures, names or dates across these reports.
- Business Recorder
- The Guardian
Reported by
2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.