US B-52 bombers flanked by multinational fighter escorts fly over Middle East

Mission aims to deter aggression and reassure allies in region

The 69th Bomb Squadron board B-52H Stratofortress bomber 'Wham Bam II' is prepared in North Dakota for yesterday's Middle East flight. US Air Force via AP)

The US Air Force has flown more B-52 bombers over the Middle East, the US Central Command announced on Sunday.

The latest deployment of a pair of B-52H Stratofortress bombers is aimed at deterring aggression and reassuring  allies, reaffirming the US military's commitment to security in the region, CENTCOM said.

Aircrafts from US allies in the region, including Israel, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, accompanied the pair of bombers at different points during the flight, along with US Air Force jet fighters.

The US Air Force routinely moves aircraft and personnel into, out of, and around the US Central Command area of responsibility to meet mission requirements, and to train with regional partners.

Temporary long-range bomber missions to the region began in 2015.

The latest was the fourth of its kind to the Middle East this year, CENTCOM said.

The B-52 can fly 14,000 kilometres on a single fuel load and reach altitudes of 15,200 metres.

The bomber, which dates to the 1950s, has become a symbol of US military power, and has become more sophisticated in its decades of service.

In the past, the aircraft would carry tonnes of unguided bombs, "carpet bombing" enemy target areas under a terrifying barrage of high explosives.

While it still has that capability, a modern B-52 is just as likely to be armed with long range, stealth cruise missiles.

The bombers are usually flanked by sophisticated aircraft such as F-15E Strike Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons and KC-135 Stratotankers.

The B-52H missions in the Middle East follow a pattern established by former president Donald Trump.

The US has not said the missions are aimed at Iran, but Iran has criticised them as an act of intimidation.