Pentagon sends B-52 bombers over Middle East as US aims to pressure Iran
The US military signals continuity in the region as Saudi Arabia hosts Trump’s push for a dramatic reset with Russia over the Ukraine war.
WASHINGTON — A pair of US Air Force B-52 strategic bombers flew over the Gulf region on Monday as the Pentagon shuffled its forces in the area.
The bombers took off from the UK's Royal Air Force Fairford Air Base and traversed the airspace of nine countries in the Middle East, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Tuesday.
The bomber task force mission included midair refueling and dropping of live munitions at target ranges “in several partner nations,” CENTCOM said. US F-15s and fighter aircraft from four countries in the region provided escort for the B-52s, according to CENTCOM.
A spokesperson for the command declined to say which countries provided escorts.
