A U.S. transport aircraft was spotted conducting what appeared to be a maneuver drill in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in preparation for ground operations in Iran.
Russia's RIA Novosti reported on the 26th (local time) that, based on flight data analysis, signs were detected that a U.S. Air Force transport aircraft carried out a cargo drop-type flight over UAE airspace.
According to the report, at about 9:45 a.m. that day, a U.S. Air Force C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft entered UAE airspace. It then descended upon reaching the Asab oil and gas fields in Abu Dhabi and banked at a sharp angle, and the outlet's analysis said this flight resembled a profile for a cargo drop.
The transport aircraft left UAE airspace at about 10:20 a.m. and moved toward Saudi Arabia, and the departure point and final destination were not confirmed. RIA Novosti called it "a move suggesting preparations for ground operations in Iran."
The C-17A Globemaster III is a large transport aircraft capable of moving troops and cargo worldwide. The U.S. military also used it as a key asset for resupply operations during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
In addition, signs of U.S. reinforcements to the Middle East are being detected. The New York Times reported on the 24th that deployment orders to the Middle East were issued to about 2,000 troops of the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division. Separately, about 5,000 personnel from a U.S. Marine expeditionary unit are also reportedly moving to the Middle East.