US CENTCOM announces deployment of B-52 bombers to Middle East amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel

The United States military announced on Friday that it would deploy additional forces and equipment to the Middle East in light of rising tensions between Iran and Israel. 

Pentagon Spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stated: “In keeping with our commitments to the protection of U.S. citizens and forces in the Middle East, the defense of Israel, and de-escalation through deterrence and diplomacy, the Secretary of Defense ordered the deployment of additional ballistic missile defense destroyers, fighter squadron and tanker aircraft, and several U.S. Air Force B-52 long-range strike bombers to the region.”

Ryder noted that the deployment of forces would coincide with the departure of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group from the region, which arrived in the region in August. 

Ryder said the deployment of the additional forces builds on “the recent decision to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system to Israel, as well as DoD's sustained Amphibious Ready Group Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) posture in the Eastern Mediterranean.” 

Ryder specifically highlighted the threat posed by Iranian proxies, including Iran-affiliated militias in Iraq that have launched drone attacks against U.S. forces and attempted to target Israel in recent months

Ryder specifically highlighted the threat posed by Iranian proxies, such as the Iran-affiliated militias in Iraq, which have launched drone attacks against U.S. forces and attempted to target Israel over the past few months. 

“Should Iran, its partners, or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every measure necessary to defend our people,” Ryder said. 

The latest move comes as Israeli officials continue to weigh the possibility of striking those militias following reports that Iran is attempting to transfer ballistic missiles and related equipment to proxy militias in Iraq, according to Saudi newspaper Elaph. 

The Elaph report stated that Israel "sent warning messages to the Iraqi government, asking it to rein in the militias and prevent Iran from using Iraqi territory" as an arena to fight Israel. 

This information agrees with a report by Axios, which cited Israeli intelligence sources who claimed that Iran is preparing for a possible attack against Israel from Iraqi territory before the upcoming U.S. elections on Tuesday.

Iraqi militias, primarily the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI) have launched several drone attacks against Israel over the past few weeks. However, the group has also attacked U.S. military forces in Iraq. 

An attack on the Ain al-Assad base in Anbar province in July was attributed to the IRI, while a drone attack against a U.S. military position in northeast Syria in April also originated from IRI groups, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. 

The arrival of B-52 bombers in the Middle East indicates that the U.S. is getting ready for a potential large-scale operation. The move comes amid threats posed by Iran to attack Israel again.

B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers from Minot Air Force Base's 5th Bomb Wing arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. pic.twitter.com/6mDs4n5G2u

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) November 2, 2024

The B-52, which entered service in 1955, is the oldest bomber still in service in the U.S. Army and is still considered the backbone of the U.S. bomber fleet. The B-52's flight range of over 14,000 km (8,800 miles) without refueling and its carrying capacity of 32,000 kg (70,000 pounds) is still unequaled in the American fleet.

The long-serving bomber played a significant role in the First Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm), dropping 40% of all aerial deployed munitions by coalition forces. The bombers also contributed significantly to Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom after the Sept. 11 attacks by Al Qaeda-affiliated terrorists in 2001 that destroyed the World Trade Center towers. 

The B-52 was also used in operations against ISIS during Operation Inherent Resolve in 2016.