After bolstering US forces in the region, CENTCOM announced an operational readiness exercise with deployments to contingency sites, as Iran released footage of a 'drone carrier'; Turkey said it is preparing a buffer zone amid fears of migration from Iran.
The United States announced it will hold a large-scale air exercise in the Middle East, as Iran showcased what it described as a new drone carrier and regional tensions continued to escalate. U.S. Central Command said it will conduct an operational readiness exercise across its area of responsibility, aimed at demonstrating the ability to deploy, disperse and sustain combat airpower. The exercise comes amid a buildup of U.S. forces in the region and heightened concerns about a possible confrontation with Iran.
According to CENTCOM, the exercise is intended to improve the dispersal of assets and personnel, strengthen regional partnerships and prepare for rapid responses throughout the command’s area. Air crews will deploy to multiple contingency locations, with the approval of host nations and in close coordination with civilian and military aviation authorities, the statement said. Lt. Gen. Derek France, commander of the air component for U.S. Central Command, said U.S. airmen are proving they can operate and fly missions under challenging conditions with safety, precision and cooperation with partners. “This is about upholding our commitment to maintaining combat-ready Airmen and the disciplined execution required to keep airpower available when and where it’s needed,” France said.
The announcement followed the arrival of the U.S. aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East, accompanied by several warships, according to two U.S. officials cited by Reuters. The deployment comes amid speculation that President Donald Trump could soon order U.S. military action against Iran. (Read More)
