American B-52 bombers arrived in the Middle East – CENTCOM – World

NEW YORK, November 3. /TASS/. American B-52 strategic bombers arrived in the US Central Command (CENTCOM) area of ​​responsibility, which covers the Middle East, Central Asia and East Africa.

“B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers from the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot AFB have arrived in the US Central Command area of ​​responsibility,” CENTCOM said on its X page.

Earlier, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the deployment of additional forces to the Middle East, including destroyers equipped with missile defense systems, a squadron of jet fighters and tanker aircraft, as well as several B-52 bombers.

The situation in the Middle East deteriorated sharply when on October 7, 2023, armed Hamas supporters from the Gaza Strip entered Israel, killing residents of border settlements and taking more than 240 hostages.

In response, Israel launched a military operation in the enclave with the aim of destroying the military and political structures of Hamas and freeing all hostages. Fighting in the Gaza Strip continues to this day.

The Hamas attack occurred simultaneously with the escalation of the situation on the Lebanese-Israeli border, where Hezbollah began shelling the border areas of Israel, which led to the evacuation of tens of thousands of local residents. Almost a year later, on September 23, Israel announced a military operation against Hezbollah, launching massive airstrikes throughout Lebanon, including Beirut. There has also been a limited ground operation in southern Lebanon since October 1.