US sends stealth bombers to Indian Ocean, tensions rise

(CLO) The Pentagon has deployed at least six B-2 stealth bombers - 30% of the US Air Force's B-2 fleet - to Diego Garcia Island in the Indian Ocean, a move that analysts say is a strong message to Iran as tensions in the Middle East escalate.

Satellite imagery from Planet Labs, taken on April 1, shows six US B-2 bombers parked on the runway at Diego Garcia, along with several other support aircraft. The strategic US-UK base is about 2,400 miles from the Iranian coast, far enough away to avoid attack but still within range of a quick deployment to the Middle East.

Four US Air Force B-2 bombers on a ramp (from center to bottom right) at the joint US-UK air base on Diego Garcia island in the Indian Ocean. Photo: Planet Labs

Along with the B-2, the Pentagon also ordered the deployment of additional fighter jets and other air assets to the region to strengthen its defense posture. According to spokesman Sean Parnell, "The United States and its allies are committed to regional security and will respond to any attempt to escalate the conflict."

In addition, the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier – which was deployed to conduct airstrikes against the Houthis – will remain in the Middle East this month instead of withdrawing as originally planned. Meanwhile, the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier strike group, after completing its mission in the Asia- Pacific , will also move to the Middle East to strengthen deterrence.

A US Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. Photo: Staff Sgt. Anthony Hetlage/US Air Force

Military analyst Cedric Leighton said the B-2 deployment was a strong signal to Iran. He said the US wanted to warn Iran of the consequences if it continued to support the Houthis or refused to sit down at the negotiating table on its nuclear program.

US President Donald Trump has said he will give Iran two months to reach a new nuclear deal or face consequences. However, Iran has ruled out any direct negotiations.

The deployment of six B-2s suggests that this is more than just a small strike mission. Military aviation analyst Peter Layton notes that the B-2s can carry 30,000-pound bombs—weapons that could destroy Iran’s underground nuclear bunkers and facilities.

Ngoc Anh (according to The War Zone, CNN)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/my-dieu-may-bay-nem-bom-tang-hinh-toi-an-do-duong-cang-thang-gia-tang-post341140.html