The US military moved military aircraft from a second British airbase on Monday following a threat linked to Iran, as American forces stepped up security measures at two bases hosting US military aircraft in the United Kingdom, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing informed sources.
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The newspaper reported on Tuesday that US forces had relocated aircraft from RAF Mildenhall to Germany and other locations after receiving information about a potential Iranian threat.
According to the report, two aerial refueling aircraft were moved to Germany early Monday, followed by additional aircraft of the same type. It remains unclear whether the threat was imminent or more general in nature.
The newspaper also reported that security levels at RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath, both of which host US forces, had been raised to "FPCON Charlie," a security level used when intelligence indicates a possible terrorist attack.
Separately, a US official told military affairs website The War Zone that enhanced security measures had been implemented at both bases, without disclosing the nature of the threats or details of the precautions taken.
The official said US forces continuously assess factors determining the security measures needed to protect their facilities, personnel, and families, in coordination with British authorities. Specific security arrangements were not disclosed for operational security reasons.
Meanwhile, US Air Forces in Europe and Africa said American aircraft routinely move between bases and operational locations for various reasons, including training and operational requirements, but provided no further details about the latest aircraft movements.
RAF Mildenhall serves as a major hub for US aerial refueling, reconnaissance, and special operations in Europe. It hosts KC-135 aircraft, which are used to refuel military planes while in flight.
RAF Lakenheath also hosts American F-15E and F-35A fighter jets.
US Withdrew Bombers from Another British Base in October
The latest US movements come about a month after Washington withdrew B-1 strategic bombers from RAF Fairford in Britain amid security concerns over an alleged Iran-linked plot targeting American aircraft and personnel.
A Pentagon official confirmed on October 4 that all US bombers deployed at RAF Fairford had been returned to bases in the United States.
The British base had hosted approximately 12 B-1 bombers, which had previously been used in US strikes against Iranian targets.
On October 5, US President Donald Trump confirmed that Iran-related threats had prompted the United States to move the bombers from the British base, saying the decision was intended to avoid exposing the aircraft and personnel to danger.
In late September, British authorities arrested several people near RAF Fairford on suspicion of preparing terrorist activities. Some suspects were later released on bail as investigations continued.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were strong indications linking Iran to the suspected plot, while Tehran denied the allegations.
The United States had used RAF Fairford to launch strikes against Iranian missile sites linked to attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, under British authorization limited to defensive operations.
These developments come amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran following the war that erupted in the Middle East last February, alongside growing concerns about potential attacks on US military bases and installations outside the region.
