U.S. deploys B-52 bombers to Middle East for the first time in 25 years

[Geee]

Washington Times:

The U.S. Air Force has deployed B-52 long-ranger bombers to the Middle East, for the first time since the Gulf War ended, to conduct strikes against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, officials said Saturday.

 

An unknown number of B-52s will be based at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the U.S. Air Force Central Command said in a statement.

 

“The B-52s will provide the coalition continued precision and deliver desired airpower effects,” Lt. Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., commander, U.S. Air Forces Central Command and Combined Forces Air Component said, Fox News reported.

 

The announcement comes a day after Secretary of State John Kerry said the U.S. would “turn up the pressure further” against the Islamic State during a surprise visit to Baghdad Friday to meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.

 

[Valin]

BUFFs Join The Fight

 

 

 

Posted 4/9/2016

A B-52 Stratofortress from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., touches down at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, April 9, 2016. The B-52 offers diverse capabilities including the delivery of precision weapons. The aircraft and its crew have deployed in support Operation Inherent Resolve. This deployment is the first basing of the B-52s in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in 26 years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Nathan Lipscomb)