US deploys B-52 bombers to Qatar for fight against ISIL

A US Air Force B-52 bomber arrives at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar REUTERS/US Air Force

WASHINGTON // The US Air Force deployed B-52 bombers to Qatar on Saturday to join the fight against ISIL, the first time they have been based in the Middle East since the end of the Gulf War in 1991.

US Air Forces Central Command said it last flew the long-range bombers operationally in the region in May 2006 as part of the war in Afghanistan, and during a US-led military exercise in Jordan in May 2015.

“The B-52 demonstrates our continued resolve to apply persistent pressure on Daesh and defend the region in any future contingency,” said Air Force Lieutenant General Charles Brown, commander of US Air Forces Central Command.

Lieutenant Colonel Chris Karns, spokesman for the Central Command, said he could not provide the exact number of B-52 bombers to be based at Al Udeid Air Basein Qatar due to “operational security reasons.”

Washington’s decision to deploy its powerful B-52 bombers to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar came as the US military stepped up the fight against ISIL.

Gen Brown said the bombers would be able to deliver precision weapons and carry out a range of missions, including strategic attack, close-air support, air interdiction, and maritime operations.

Lt Col Karns said the bombers would enable US forces to drop one or two munitions in an area, rather than use carpet bombing.

“Accuracy is critically important in this war,” he said. “Carpet-bombing would not be effective for the operation we’re in because Daesh doesn’t mass as large groups. Often, they blend into population centers. We always look to minimize civilian casualties.”

*Reuters