Report: US military aircraft leave a second UK base amid Iran threat
Aircraft leave another base
Several US military aircraft left a second airbase in Britain on Monday, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The newspaper cited US officials in linking the departure to a threat from Iran. The report did not identify the base or give the number of aircraft involved.
Ministry declines to comment
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson told the BBC that the department does not routinely discuss the activities of other countries. The spokesperson said aircraft and other assets move regularly in response to operational requirements.
Former adviser discusses risks
Lord Ricketts, a former UK National Security Adviser, spoke about the issue on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. He said the airbase houses large tanker aircraft. Ricketts described the aircraft as large targets and said the base’s long perimeter left it vulnerable.
Key points
- The Wall Street Journal reported that several US aircraft left a second British airbase on Monday.
- US officials cited by the newspaper linked the move to a threat from Iran.
- The Ministry of Defence said it does not routinely comment on other nations’ activity.
- Lord Ricketts said the base’s large tanker aircraft and long perimeter created vulnerabilities.