Return of A-10 Thunderbolt Fighters to the Skies of the Middle East

A squadron of A-10 Thunderbolt attack jets, specially modified to carry three times the bombs compared to previous models, has been deployed to the Middle East to bolster the U.S. Air Force amid rising tensions with Iran-backed militants in Syria. General Alexus Grynkewich, who leads the Central Air Forces Command, stated, "These attack jets are being updated with software that will enable them to carry 16 small-diameter bombs within weeks." In an interview on Thursday, General Grynkewich said, "This squadron is really here as a message to reassure our partners here... but also a demonstration of our real capability against some of the threats we face in relation to Iran." Each of these fighter jets can bomb up to 64 ground targets, which is nearly a threefold increase. Each aircraft can also carry laser-guided rockets along with its 30mm anti-tank gun. The A-10 Thunderbolt also provides commanders with greater flexibility as it can operate from short or unpaved runways. The A-10 squadron joins two F-16 squadrons under General Grynkewich's command. Although the Pentagon has a significantly reduced presence in the Middle East compared to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, U.S. forces are still fighting ISIS in Syria and assisting the Iraqi army. U.S. officials say Iran-backed militia groups are also active in Syria and sometimes attack U.S. forces in the region. In March, a suspected drone attack linked to Iran resulted in the death of an American contractor and injuries to five soldiers at a base in northeastern Syria. Iran is also supplying suicide drones to Russia, which are used to attack military and civilian targets in Ukraine. The A-10 Thunderbolts can also be used over the Strait of Hormuz, an area where Iranian fast boats have harassed warships and oil tankers. This attack aircraft, designed in the 1970s, has captivated generations of U.S. ground forces as it flies slowly and low, allowing it to observe its targets before striking. Israeli Defense Minister: Iran is waging a multi-front and attritional war against Israel. The commander of CENTCOM praised the combat readiness of the Israeli army. The European Union sanctioned Bashar al-Assad's cousins for "involvement in drug trafficking." Israel targeted Hezbollah positions in southern Syria. The Israeli Defense Minister stated: Our attacks on Iranian positions in Syria have doubled. The Saudi Foreign Minister visited Syria after 12 years.