A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress during a Bomber Task Force mission, over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, on Sept. 4, 2022. Staff Sgt. Shannon Bowman/U.S. Air Force
The U.S. military has flown two B-52 bombers over the Middle East—the fourth such mission this year—in an apparent show of force in the region.
It comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran as officials from both nations continue to struggle to come to an agreement on resuming the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, as well as recent confrontation between U.S. forces and Iranian-backed militias in the Middle East.
Two B-52H Stratofortresses flew over the Middle East in the flyover as part of a Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission the military carried out on Sept. 4.
The B-52H Stratofortresses, which have been operated by the U.S. Air Force since the mid-1950s, are long-distance military combat aircraft that can carry nuclear weapons if needed. They can perform a wide range of capabilities, including “strategic attack, close-air support, air interdiction, offensive counter-air and maritime operations,” according to the U.S. Air Force.
A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress conducts a Bomber Task Force mission with coalition and regional partners across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, on Sept. 4, 2022. Staff Sgt. Chad Fultz/U.S. Air Force
The two bombers “conducted theater integration training and operations with a variety of U.S. Air Force, partner and ally aircraft, including F-15/18, RJ-135, E-3, KC-135/10/46, FGR-4, and A-330,” announced the Ninth Air Force on Sept. 5.
The Ninth Air Force, also called Air Forces Central, is the air component of the U.S. Central Command.
“This Bomber Task Force is a strong, clear representation of enduring U.S. commitment to the region,” Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander of the Ninth Air Force, said in a statement. “Threats to the U.S. and our partners will not go unanswered. Missions like this BTF showcase our ability to combine forces to deter and, if necessary, defeat our adversaries.”
The U.S. bombers departed from an airbase in Fairford, England, and “flew over the Eastern Mediterranean, Arabian Peninsula and Red Sea before departing the region,” according to the announcement. Accompanying the two U.S. aircraft were other fighter planes from Britain’s Royal Air Force, as well as the air forces of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, representatives from 16 nations joined in a coalition to provide logistical support.
A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress conducts aerial operations during a Bomber Task Force mission within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Sept. 4, 2022. Staff Sgt. Charles Fultz/U.S. Air Force
Mimi Nguyen Ly
Reporter
Mimi Nguyen Ly is a former reporter for The Epoch Times.
