22-02-2025
U.S. B-52 Bombers Conduct Strategic Missions Over Arabian Peninsula and Red Sea
U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers from the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at Minot Air Force Base have returned to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, conducting multiple missions over the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea without landing. The operation is part of U.S. Strategic Command's ongoing Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission series.
The BTF missions are designed to project long-range strike capabilities through the Air Force Global Strike Command's bomber fleet, which includes the B-1B Lancer, B-2 Spirit, and B-52 Stratofortress. These missions provide a visible deterrence presence while reinforcing U.S. military readiness in key regions.
In addition to deterrence, these bombers have played a crucial role in U.S. strike operations against Iranian-affiliated militia groups over the past year. Notably, the U.S. deployed B-1B bombers to conduct strikes on 85 targets in Syria and Iraq following the deaths of three American soldiers at Tower 22. The first B-2 stealth bomber strikes against Houthi-controlled facilities in Yemen took place in October 2024, while a non-routine 45-day deployment of B-52s in late 2024 supported various operational and training missions across the region.
Bomber Task Force missions highlight the U.S. military's capability to rapidly deploy combat power worldwide and integrate operations with Coalition and regional partner forces. These strategic missions reinforce U.S. Central Command's commitment to maintaining security and stability in the region.
