Several B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers belonging to the U.S. Air Force have been spotted flying over North Africa.
American missile carriers were reported to have been spotted in the skies over North Africa on 7 September.
At the announcement, U.S. Africa Command has confirmed that B-52H bombers with Moroccan F-16 fighter jets began interoperability training missions in the region.
“Conducting these missions alongside our African partners shows the strategic reach of our joint force and our collective commitment to preventing malign influence in Africa,” said Maj. Gen. Joel Tyler, U.S. Africa Command Director of Operations. “The security and stability of the African continent remains a vital U.S. interest.”
The U.S. military regularly conducts these combined theater security cooperation engagements with international partners.
“These efforts demonstrate the professionalism, agility, and capabilities of our forces with international partners to address today’s complex and dynamic global security environment, as well as our commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Mediterranean Sea,” said Tyler.
These missions also enable U.S. and international partners to maintain a high state of readiness, interoperability and proficiency, strengthening the ability of the U.S. and international partners to address mutual security challenges and goals.
“These missions are another tangible way we demonstrate our commitments to our African partners,” said Tyler.
NEWS: #B52 Stratofortresses conduct missions in N. Africa
“These missions alongside our African partners shows the strategic reach of our joint force & collective commitment to preventing malign influence in Africa.” – Maj. Gen. Tyler, operations directorhttps://t.co/9NNyPojle6 pic.twitter.com/ROIqorVBbQ
— US AFRICOM (@USAfricaCommand) September 8, 2020
Furthermore, three B-52 Stratofortress bomber aircraft from the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, conducted vital integration training with Ukrainian fighters inside Ukraine’s airspace near the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula.