File Photo

PARIS, June  17, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Four US Stratofortress bombers are
currently stationed at the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean, according to
an AFP analysis of satellite imagery, as the conflict between Israel and Iran
extended to its fifth straight day.

The base, leased to the United States by Britain, is one of its key
military facilities in the Asia-Pacific region, and was used as a hub for
long-range bombers and ships during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The four B52H Stratofortresses, which can carry nuclear weapons or other
precision-guided munitions, were spotted on a southern tarmac at Diego Garcia
on Monday at 0922 GMT.

Images provided by Planet Labs indicate they arrived in mid-May.
A C-17 Globemaster III troop and cargo transport plane is also at the base,
according to the AFP analysis, as well as six jets likely to be KC-135 airborne
refuelling tanker.

The Pentagon said Monday that it was sending "additional capabilities" to
the Middle East amid an escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict, while the
aircraft carrier USS Nimitz cancelled a Vietnam visit to head toward the Indian
Ocean according to Marine Traffic, a ship-tracking site.

Washington has also redeployed around 30 refuelling planes toward bases in
Europe.