The bombers were sent from the USA. The flight comes amid continuing tensions with Iran and Iran-backed militias in Iraq, as well as concerns that Iran may try to retaliate against US interests to mark the one-year anniversary of the drone attack that killed General Qasem Soleimani , the second most powerful figure at the time.
“The United States continues to deploy combat-ready capabilities in the area of responsibility of the U.S. Central Command to stop any potential adversary and make it clear that we are ready and able to respond to any aggression directed at the Americans or our interests,” Gen Frank McKenzie, the commander of the US Central Command, said in a statement.
Wednesday’s flight constitutes the third bomber launch in the Middle East in the past 45 days.