A US B-52 Stratrofortress bomber flew over the eastern Mediterranean Sea on March 4, marking the third US flyover of the Middle East in the past month, shows of force that are meant as threats toward Iran and its allies in the region.
“Israeli F-35i and F-15i aircraft flew alongside an American US B-52 strategic bomber,” the Israeli military said in a statement on Thursday. “During the flight, the forces practiced operational coordination between the two militaries to enhance their ability to address various regional threats.”
US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that it conducted a “Bomber Task Force Mission in the Middle East.” It said the B-52, which is capable of carrying nuclear weapons, took off from a base in the UK and flew across Europe on its way to the Middle East.
According to Air & Space Forces Magazine, the US bomber “orbited off the coast of Israel,” meaning it likely flew near the besieged Gaza Strip.
The flight came just two weeks after the US sent two B-52 bombers over the Middle East on February 20. CENTCOM said the two bombers “flew across Europe and six partner countries in CENTCOM’s area of responsibility during their mission, which included aerial refueling and training missions at ranges.”
Just a few days earlier, on February 18, CENTCOM said two US B-52 bombers flew over the region along with US F-15 fighter jets and aircraft from four “partner nations.” That flight included “aerial refueling drills and live munitions drops.”
The uptick in US bomber flights in the region came after reports said that Israel was looking to bomb Iran’s civilian nuclear facilities in the coming months with US support. The region is also on edge as the Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal is hanging by a thread due to repeated Israeli violations.
