CENTCOM Announces: Strategic Bombers Have Arrived In The Middle East

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported today that B-52 Stratofortress bombers from the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base have arrived in the Middle East.

This announcement from CENTCOM followed the Pentagon’s statement indicating that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin would be deploying bomber aircraft, fighter jets, and additional Navy vessels to enhance the US military presence in the area.

Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder mentioned that alongside the B-52 Stratofortress bombers, a squadron of fighter jets, refueling aircraft, and Navy destroyers have also been ordered by Austin. He noted that these assets are scheduled to start arriving in the region in the upcoming months, particularly as the USS Abraham Lincoln begins its journey back home.

This development occurs in the context of reports suggesting that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has directed the Supreme National Security Council to prepare for an offensive against Israel.

As reported by The New York Times last Thursday, Khamenei made the decision to initiate an attack following a thorough briefing from senior military officials concerning the damage sustained by Iran’s missile production facilities and air defense systems near Tehran, as well as critical energy infrastructure and a key southern port.

On Wednesday, a senior official informed CNN that Iran is expected to launch another attack on Israel in the near future, likely prior to the upcoming US presidential election next Tuesday.

The official indicated that Iran’s response to Israel’s recent airstrikes on its military assets will be considerable.

An Israeli military source communicated with CNN on Thursday, stating that Israel is maintaining a “high level of readiness” in anticipation of a potential response from Iran.

However, the source added that officials are “still assessing the decision-making process in Iran” to ascertain if and when retaliation might occur.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had a conversation on Thursday with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and “reaffirmed that the United States remains fully prepared to defend US personnel, Israel, and partners across the region against threats from Iran and Iran-backed proxy groups,” according to the Pentagon.

{Matzav.com}