Bulgaria authorises deployment of US refuelling aircraft, personnel for Middle East operations

Bulgaria’s parliament has authorised the deployment of up to eight US Air Force KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft and up to 250 US military personnel at Bezmer Air Base from July 24 through October 1 in support of US operations in the Middle East.

According to the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), lawmakers on Wednesday approved a proposal submitted by the Council of Ministers allowing the temporary presence of the aircraft, their crews, military personnel carrying personal weapons and ammunition, and related airfield equipment.

Parliament also instructed Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov to organise the deployment, BTA said.

The proposal was approved by 136 lawmakers, including 121 members of Progressive Bulgaria and 15 from the Movement for Rights and Freedoms.