After years away, U.S. B-1 Bombers are back in the Middle East

By Editor On Apr 4, 2018

The B-1B Lancer is back in the Middle East for the first time in nearly two-and-a-half years to take over strike missions from B-52 Stratofortress bombers.
The non-nuclear bombers from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, arrived at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, on March 31, according to social media posts from Air Forces Central Command.
The Lancers will be primarily focused on Operation Inherent Resolve, the fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, and Operation Freedom Sentinel in Afghanistan, AfCent (Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum) said. The command would not give details on how many bombers are involved or on the duration of the mission.

“Following two years supporting U.S. Pacific Command requirements, the B-1 returns to the U.S. Central Command [area of responsibility] where it will take over bomber duty from the venerable B-52 Stratofortress,” AfCent posted on Twitter.
Military.