Overview
- U.S. forces moved multiple refuelling tankers and other aircraft out of RAF Mildenhall on Monday after intelligence indicated a threat linked to Iran.
- Commanders elevated security at RAF Mildenhall and nearby RAF Lakenheath to FPCON Charlie, the Pentagon’s second-highest force-protection level, which signals a likely form of targeting action.
- Flight-tracking records show KC-135 tankers were sent to bases in Germany and Spain and one to Glasgow Prestwick in Scotland, while some CV-22 Ospreys moved to RAF Lakenheath.
- Classified briefings for senior U.S. congressional and intelligence leaders accompanied the dispersal, and U.S. and U.K. officials declined to disclose operational details for security reasons.
- The action follows the earlier withdrawal of B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford after a suspected Iran-linked plot, underscoring wider allied concern about threats to U.S. assets in Britain and potential follow-on security measures.