International Security

Airpower: F-16 destroys enemy rocket site
US Air Force Dec 26, 2007

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs engaged enemy combatants who were in firing positions and compounds northwest of Tarin Kowt. The A-10s employed guided bomb unit-38s, cannon rounds, and general purpose 500-pound bombs. Enemy improvised explosive device teams were also struck. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the strikes as successful.

An A-10 expended flares during a show of force demonstration southeast of Bagram. Additionally, the A-10s fired cannon rounds on compounds held by enemy combatants. The missions were deemed a success.

Enemy positions and compounds near Nangalam were struck by GBU-38s and cannon rounds fired from A-10s. The JTAC confirmed the munitions destroyed the intended targets.

An F-15E Strike Eagle deterred enemy activities through a show of force conducted in Musa Qala. During the same mission, the F-15Es dropped GBU-31s on enemy buildings located in Tarin Kowt. Coalition forces were engaged with enemy combatants. The missions were declared successful by the JTAC.

In total, 35 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Six Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, an F-16 Fighting Falcon dropped a GBU-38 to destroy an enemy rocket site located northeast of Baqubah. The JTAC reported the bomb destroyed the target and observed secondary explosions.

Enemy personnel in Baghdad were struck by a GBU-38 dropped from an F-16. Coalition forces encountered hostile fire from the enemy combatants. The strike was assessed as successful by the JTAC.

A Royal Air Force GR-4 Tornado showed continued presence in a show of force performed in Baghdad. The mission achieved the desired effect.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 46 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-three Air Force, Navy and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq.

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 136 airlift sorties were flown, 436 tons of cargos were delivered and 3,466 passengers were transported. This included approximately 40,800 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq and Korea flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Dec. 22, Air Force, French, and RAF tanker crews flew 41 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 229 receiving aircraft.

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