US Moves Aircraft From RAF Mildenhall After Reported Iran Threat

The update

The United States moved aircraft from RAF Mildenhall in eastern England on Monday after a reported threat from Iran, according to the Wall Street Journal, cited by Reuters. Two refuelling tankers diverted to Germany, with several more moved later. Flight tracking cited by Sky News showed nine KC-135 tankers and three Ospreys leaving, most tankers going to Germany and Spain. Security at Mildenhall and nearby RAF Lakenheath was raised to FPCON Charlie, the second-highest US defensive level.

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Why it matters

This is the second British base affected. Weeks earlier, the US withdrew B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford after a September incident in which five men were arrested outside the base and two others later on suspicion of assisting Iranian intelligence. Fairford had been used for strikes on Iran, and Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said in July that bases used to launch attacks against Iran were legitimate targets. Neither the US Air Force nor Britain’s Ministry of Defence confirmed the nature of the reported threat.

What to watch

Watch whether US or British officials confirm what the threat was, how long the higher security posture lasts, and whether the aircraft return to Mildenhall. Cabinet minister Lucy Powell told Sky News that base security is kept under review and firm, quick action is taken where needed.

Sources

• aljazeera.com — Reuters report confirming the tanker moves and FPCON Charlie upgrade
• mansfieldradio.co.uk — Sky News report confirming the departures from flight tracking

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