DUBROVNIK, Croatia (AP) — A pair of U.S. Air Force B52 strategic bombers flew over the Croatian resort of Dubrovnik and three other NATO-member states in the region on Monday as a sign of support amid a Russian offensive in Ukraine.
In addition to the walled Croatian tourist destination of Dubrovnik, the plane flew to Skopje, the government headquarters in North Macedonia, downtown Skanderbeg Square in the Albanian capital Tirana, and the Adriatic coast of Montenegro.
The Balkans and the Adriatic Sea have recently seen increased military, intelligence and propaganda activity by Moscow, which considers its area of strategic interest because of its access to the Mediterranean.
“The purpose of each flyover is to demonstrate American commitment and assurance to NATO allies and partners located in Southeast Europe,” the US Air Force said in a statement. “Additionally, it will provide citizens with the opportunity to take photos, videos and enjoy the aircraft flying overhead.”
Crowds gathered at squares in Skopje and Tirana, and tourists in Dubrovnik and Montenegro saw giant bombers thundering overhead. Some onlookers waved American flags.
North Macedonia was the last country to join NATO in 2020 and Montenegro did so in 2017 despite strong opposition from Russia.
North Macedonia’s army chief of staff, Lieutenant Colonel Jovan Azmanovsky, told TV broadcaster Canal 5 that the bombers’ flights were symbolic evidence that “our skies are safe.”
“People in North Macedonia were able to see a flight of two USAF B52 strategic bombers over Skopje, demonstrating our NATO membership and the safety and security of our and the entire coalition’s skies. Our skies are safe and our (NATO) skies are safe.” Membership is much more than it appears, ”said Azmanovsky.
In Tirana, Albanian army chief Arben Kingji said, “We are witnessing a strategic military demonstration.”
“Our strategic partners are with us, this is a message of unity,” he said at the square where people had gathered.
Two B-52 Stratofortress aircraft have been assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron which is currently operating out of RAF Fairford, United Kingdom.
Since 2018, the US has laid off more than 200 Bomber Task Forces with allies and partners.
Most recently, this included B-1B Lancer flights in the Nordic, Baltic and Black Sea regions in May, as well as an aerial policing overflight over North Macedonia in June. In June, Stratofortress operated flights over the Arctic Ocean, and later participated in the largest annual exercise, BALTOP, in the Baltic Sea.
In the Baltic Sea, the amphibious battleship USS Kairsurge – the largest warship ever to visit Lithuania – was officially welcomed on Monday. The country is on the border with NATO member Poland and Belarus, a Moscow ally.
On Monday, the NATO air police mission in Lithuania reported that the jets were searched four times last week to identify and rescue Russian warplanes that violate international airspace rules.
(This story has not been edited by seemayo staff and is published from a rss feed)