Russian bombers, four times in four days, flew close to Alaska in another series of provocations. On Wednesday, two IL-38 maritime patrol aircraft flew near Alaska and on Thursday two Tu-95 Bear bombers flew near the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone, according to CNN. On Monday, Air Force F-22s responded to TU-95s flying near the zone, and on the next day an Air Force E-3 Sentry also responded to the TU-95s. A North American Aerospace Defense Command official said although the heightened activity has not been seen “for a couple years,” it is not unprecedented, CNN reported.
The U.S. military is sending more fighter jets to the Middle East to step up its war with Iran, adding to what is already the largest buildup of airpower in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. For now, the operation shows little sign of coming to a quick…