Under high alert, two American B-52 bombers fly over Gulf region

The US Army Central Command said in a statement that the two heavy bombers, called "Stratofortress", which can carry nuclear weapons, took off from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana and their crews were notified at the last minute.

The statement also stated that the two aircraft flew over the Gulf "with other aircraft belonging to the US Air Force and aircraft from partner countries," and indicated that this is the second flight of B-52 bombers in two months in this region.

"Our potential opponents must understand that no country on earth is more prepared and capable (of the United States) to rapidly deploy additional combat capabilities in the face of any aggression," said Central Command Commander General Frank McKinsey.

"Our ability to cooperate with partners in a mission like this proves that we are ready to respond together to any crisis, and to deploy US bombers in the region" to deter aggression and reassure partners, "McKinsey added.

For his part, a military official revealed on Thursday that the US military is on high alert and is strengthening its forces in the Middle East, to respond to a possible Iranian attack.

The official said in statements to the American newspaper "Politico", “The Pentagon is closely monitoring "worrying indications about preparations for a possible attack" by Iranian militias in Iraq.

J.O