With tensions between the U.S. and Iran already at heightened levels, the militaries of both countries are making preparations in case they are called to action.
Praying for our airmen from Barksdale Air Force Base and all others who are being deployed to the Middle East. God bless and protect the defenders of freedom. ??https://t.co/Z6fxtDTtV8
— Rep. Mike Johnson (@RepMikeJohnson) January 7, 2020
This afternoon, The Associated Press cited Iran state TV as saying Tehran launched “tens” of surface-to-surface missiles at Iraq’s Ain Assad air base, which houses U.S. troops. And Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned the U.S. and regional allies against retaliating over the attack.
JAN 06: USAF B-52Hs MYTEE51 & 52 departed Barksdale AFB for Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean due to #Iran tensions. pic.twitter.com/2PgkMMnAXw
— Aircraft Spots (@AircraftSpots) January 7, 2020
“The United States is not seeking a war with Iran, but we are prepared to finish one,” Defense Secretary Mark Esper said.
(KSLA) — With tensions between the U.S. and Iran already at heightened levels, the militaries of both countries are making preparations in case they are called to action.
The Pentagon on Monday ordered six B-52 bombers deployed to Diego Garcia, a British-controlled island in the Indian Ocean, for possible operations against Iran, CNN reported Monday.
This afternoon, The Associated Press cited Iran state TV as saying Tehran launched “tens” of surface-to-surface missiles at Iraq’s Ain Assad air base, which houses U.S. troops. And Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned the U.S. and regional allies against retaliating over the attack.
The U.S. Air Force is deploying six B-52 bombers to Diego Garcia, an island base in the Indian Ocean, amid the rising threat from Iran to retaliate after a U.S.-led airstrike killed Iranian Gen….
It is unclear how many of the half dozen bombers came from Barksdale Air Force Base.
But earlier today, Congressman Mike Johnson tweeted: “Praying for our airmen from Barksdale Air Force Base and all others who are being deployed to the Middle East. God bless and protect the defenders of freedom.”
CNN’s Barbara Starr has cited an unidentified U.S. official as saying the B-52s will be available for operations against Iran if ordered.
In a tweet, the reporter notes that the deployment “does not signal that operations have been ordered.”
Diego Garcia has been a launching point for US military actions in the Middle East — including the 2001 campaign against Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks and the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
And the Pentagon traditionally has deployed long-range bombers and other aircraft as a sign of U.S. forces’ presence and capabilities.
