Massive American bomber build up suggests upcoming strike [View all]

Source: ukdefencejournal.org.uk

A significant movement of US military assets to Diego Garcia has been observed in recent days, suggesting preparations for a major air operation. The surge in activity follows the largest US military strikes in the Middle East since President Donald Trump took office in January, targeting Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. At least five B-2 Spirit stealth bombers and seven C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft have arrived at the remote Indian Ocean base or are en route, according to open-source intelligence (OSINT) analysis of military flight tracking data.

The buildup comes as US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed on Sunday that Washington will continue attacking Yemen’s Houthis until they halt their assault on commercial and military shipping in the Red Sea. The airstrikes, which the Houthi-run health ministry claims killed at least 53 people, mark a significant escalation in the conflict. A US official told journalists recently that the campaign against the Houthis could last for weeks, raising speculation that the deployment of B-2 bombers to Diego Garcia signals a potential expansion of air operations.

The military activity was first flagged by open-source intelligence (OSINT) specialist “IntelFrog” (@TheIntelFrog), a respected analyst who tracks military aircraft movements using publicly available data, including ADS-B flight tracking and ACARS messaging systems. IntelFrog initially reported that at least 18 US Air Force KC-135 tankers were staged across the Pacific at Travis AFB (California), Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Hawaii), and Andersen AFB (Guam). The presence of so many tankers at multiple bases simultaneously suggests the pre-positioning of aerial refuelling assets—a necessary step before a large-scale deployment of strike aircraft.

IntelFrog further noted that a number of tankers had moved from Guam to Diego Garcia, while sections of B-2 stealth bombers were tracked in transit from Whiteman AFB to Diego Garcia. These movements are not typical and appear to be linked to an impending military operation. Additionally, a large influx of C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft has been observed arriving at Diego Garcia. Flight tracking data indicates that at least seven C-17s have landed at the base in the past three days, suggesting the transportation of personnel, supplies, and potentially munitions in support of the bomber deployment. IntelFrog noted that the scale of these movements is unusual and points to preparations for a significant air operation.

Read more: https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/massive-american-bomber-build-up-suggests-upcoming-strike/

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