The U.S. military diverted refueling tankers and transport aircraft from RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk on Monday, marking the second time American assets have redeployed from British bases in two months amid security concerns linked to Iran.
Flight tracking data verified by the press showed that 10 KC-135 Stratotanker refueling jets and three Osprey transport planes left the English base on Monday.
The refueling tankers headed to facilities in Germany, Spain, and Scotland. The Ospreys relocated to nearby RAF Lakenheath.
Over the past couple hours flight tracking has shown unusual movements of many US airforce tankers out of RAF Mildenhall in quick succession. Experts note the activity is highly unusual for so many tankers to be leaving in such a short time. pic.twitter.com/sP4vcLfebK
Four KC-135 Stratotankers landed at Spangdahlem Air Base and one arrived at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Four additional tankers landed at Morón Air Base in southern Spain, and one went to Glasgow Prestwick Airport in Scotland, according to public aircraft tracking data confirmed by CBS News.
Security at both RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath was raised to Force Protection Condition Charlie (FPCON Charlie), which is the second-highest defensive threat level in the U.S. Department of Defense security system.
Counter Terrorism Police have released a statement on the RAF Fairford incident which they "believe" was linked to Iran, their comments come after two men were charged with national security offences.https://t.co/PAiZ4D1jU3 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/GfzFDWgfRo
The U.S. military’s European Command declined to discuss specific asset movements or intelligence matters. A spokesperson said that the command takes proactive measures to ensure safety while working closely with host-nation allies.
We take proactive measures to ensure our aircraft, our people, and our installations remain safe and secure.
U.S. official, via CBS News
“Aircraft and other assets move regularly according to operational requirements,” a U.S. Air Force spokesperson said.
The redeployment from Mildenhall follows a similar security incident at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, where the U.S. Air Force removed B-1 bombers in October following an investigation into an alleged, Iran-backed plot to target aircraft and military personnel.
British counterterrorism police were probing a ‘major’ incident near the base on September 28, and two men were subsequently charged with assisting Iranian intelligence in relation to the incident: Mohmed Abdulkarim, 24, and Nouman Essghir, 24.
Major combat operations against Iran are not needed for now because the US economic campaign is so “devastating,” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Paris on Tuesday. He said Washington would not pay Iran reparations, dismissing… pic.twitter.com/sFaDJZcev1
British Defence Minister Luke Pollard addressed questions regarding the security of U.S. forces on British soil.
remains our closest security and defence partner and that won’t be changing
Luke Pollard, via X
Iran’s embassy in Britain has denied involvement in the Fairford incident, dismissing the accusations as baseless.
UPDATE: US Assets at RAF Mildenhall Dispersing As of moments ago, two further 100th Aerial Refuelling Wing tankers have departed RAF Mildenhall (EGUN) to disperse, after ground crews were able to get them flyable. Further, 2 of the non-100th ARW assets that moved last night,… https://t.co/i2NvIpwYb0 pic.twitter.com/9RXHo99cwK
Bases used in support of operations against Iran were described by Iran as legitimate targets.
More on Iran
Current dispersed aircraft as-of 2153z pic.twitter.com/NrsF6uU0uT
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🇺🇸🇮🇷 Iran could strike U. S bases in Britain, and former Navy SEAL Matt Bracken warns the war may be far from finished Trump is declaring victory over Iran, but American military aircraft are being evacuated from British bases amid fears of Iranian retaliation. And Matt believes… pic.twitter.com/mvlMalWnyq
The U. S. evacuated American aircraft from a Royal Air Force base in England on Monday in the wake of a threat from Iran, according to people familiar with the matter. Scoop from my colleagues @shelbyholliday @alexbward https://t.co/1lx5iM1KaI
