The presence of 12 US Air Force refueling aircraft at Lajes Base has drawn attention, especially in the context of the Israel-Iran conflict, prompting political parties to demand clarifications. In a statement released this Sunday, the Ministry of Defense confirmed that Washington requested authorization on June 18 to use the Azorean base.
"The US requested, through a diplomatic note, permission for 12 refueling aircraft to use Lajes Base, which was granted," the Ministry of Defense clarified. It was mentioned in the request that the mission of these aircraft would be to support the US Naval Force in the Atlantic.
"This is a usual procedure, and the aircraft in the Azores are refueling planes. They are not offensive air means but merely refueling aircraft," emphasized the ministry overseen by Nuno Melo.
It was also assured that "no US combat means have passed through Lajes Base for over a month."
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