US Central Command says F-16s continue Middle East patrol missions

BAGHDAD, Iraq — U.S. Central Command said its F-16 fighter jets are continuing patrol missions across the Middle East and remain positioned to respond if needed. In a post on the command's social media account, the military said U.S. Air Force F-16s received aerial refueling while conducting patrols over the region. The command said American forces in the area "remain ready and alert," and officials stated that they retain the capacity to intervene quickly when required. No further details on specific flight routes, operational areas, or potential targets were provided in the statement. The post did not specify the number of aircraft involved or name the countries over which the patrols were conducted. The command did not indicate whether the activity was linked to a specific recent security incident in the region.