Click to see full-size image. (The U.S. Central Command)
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on November 16 that B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers recently deployed to the Middle East had conducted a flight over the region.
The command shared a video to the X social network showing two bombers flying over an unspecified part of the region on November 13 without elaborating.
The deployment of the bombers was announced by the Department of Defense on November 2. In addition to the bombers, the Pentagon also said that it was sending ballistic missile defense destroyers, fighter squadrons, and tanker aircraft to the region to to reaffirm Washington’s commitments to “the protection of U.S. citizens and forces in the Middle East, the defense of Israel, and de-escalation through deterrence and diplomacy.”
Just a few days after the deployment was announced at least six B-52s were spotted at the strategic Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
The B-52 is a long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber. It can carry up to 32 tons of weapons and has a typical combat range of around 14,200 kilometers without aerial refueling.
U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress long-range strategic bombers flew over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 13. pic.twitter.com/JMMFidm4Mr
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) November 15, 2024
The deployment came amid heightened tensions with Iran which is reportedly preparing to respond to the October 26 Israeli attack on its territory. Several Iranian military targets, including air defenses and missile sites, were hit during the attack, which also claimed the lives of four officers.
The attack was in itself a response to a large-scale ballistic missile strike that was launched by Tehran against Israel on October 1.
Earlier this week, Hebrew and Arab media reported that Iran postponed its plans to launch a retaliatory attack against Israel after Donlad Trump won the U.S. presidential election. However, the B-52 flight, which was clearly a show of force, indicates that Tehran has not backed down yet.
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