U.S. Air Force relocates 13 aircraft from RAF Mildenhall in response to a heightened security threat linked to Iran, raising military alert levels in the region.
The U.S. Air Force has relocated more than a dozen aircraft from RAF Mildenhall in eastern England due to an emerging security threat, as confirmed by U.S. officials on Tuesday. The Wall Street Journal first reported the move, citing sources indicating that the threat is connected to Iran.
In response to the potential danger, U.S. military commanders elevated the base’s security status to Force Protection Condition Charlie, the second-highest alert level. This designation suggests a likely terrorist threat against personnel or facilities at the base.
According to flight-tracking data and analysis from the Military Air Tracking Alliance, 13 U.S. aircraft departed RAF Mildenhall late Monday. Among the aircraft relocated were nine Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers, which were moved to airfields in Scotland, Germany, and Spain. Additionally, three CV-22B Ospreys were transferred to nearby RAF Lakenheath, which features hardened aircraft shelters designed to withstand potential attacks.
A U.S. official emphasized that the relocations were precautionary. Some of the aircraft were on rotational deployments, while others were permanently stationed in the United Kingdom.
This relocation marks the second significant movement of U.S. military aircraft from Britain in less than two months. In early October, the Air Force withdrew heavy bombers from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after British counterterrorism police intercepted three suspicious vans heading toward the base on September 27. Following this incident, two men were charged under the United Kingdom’s National Security Act.
In a related development, the Justice Department unsealed indictments on Tuesday against three Iranian-backed operatives accused of participating in coordinated terrorist plots across Europe, including activities near RAF Fairford.
RAF Mildenhall is home to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, the only permanently based U.S. tanker wing in Europe. The KC-135 Stratotankers stationed there play a crucial role in supporting allied aerial refueling and long-range strike missions throughout the region.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the situation on Tuesday, stating that Washington routinely repositions military forces for various reasons. “We are constantly repositioning forces around the world,” Rubio told reporters when questioned about the evacuation.
A spokesperson for 10 Downing Street reassured that British air bases remain secure and highlighted the ongoing intelligence sharing between London and Washington regarding potential threats.
This recent series of events underscores the heightened tensions and security concerns surrounding U.S. military operations in Europe, particularly in relation to Iran’s activities.
According to The Associated Press, the situation remains fluid as U.S. officials continue to monitor the threat landscape closely.