A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle piloted by a member of the 494th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron takes off from Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, in support of regional security operations, April 30, 2021. Staff Sgt. Zade Vadnais | U.S. Air Force photo
CNBC: U.S. sends more firepower to Middle East as troops withdraw from Afghanistan
* The Pentagon has deployed six B-52 Stratofortress bombers to the U.S. Central Command region, the combatant command that oversees America’s military operations in the Middle East.
* In addition, the Pentagon has also extended the deployment of a U.S. Navy carrier strike group in the region.
* Last month, Biden announced a full withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, ending America’s longest war.
WASHINGTON – The Pentagon has ramped up its military assets in the Middle East as U.S. and NATO coalition forces begin the colossal task of withdrawing from Afghanistan.
This week, two more U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers arrived at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, bringing the total number of B-52s on standby to respond to a Taliban attack to six.
“We have made it exceedingly clear that protecting our forces and the forces of our allies and partners as they too withdraw is a priority, it’s a main priority,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters Wednesday.
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WNU Editor: Six B-52 long range bombers and 12 F-18 fighters have been deployed to protect the departing contingents of 2,500 US service members and 16,000 civilian contractors, said Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
More News On The U.S. Deploying More Air Firepower As Troops Withdraw From Afghanistan
US sends more warplanes to Afghanistan to protect troop pullout -- Military Times/AP
US adds 12 fighter jets to protect Afghanistan withdrawal -- The Hill
Afghanistan: Pentagon deploys extra warplanes amid pullout -- DW
US sends warplanes to protect Afghan withdrawal -- BBC
US sends more reinforcements for Afghan pullout: Pentagon -- AFP
Pentagon Adds ‘Package’ of F-18 Jets to Assist With US Troop Withdrawal in Afghanistan -- Spuntik
