Airpower: A-10s target anti-Afghan forces

US Air Force,

SOUTHWEST ASIA: Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-31 and GBU-38s onto anti-Afghan forces and an anti-Afghan forces-occupied building in the vicinity of Asadabad. A joint terminal attack controller declared the mission a success.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted shows of force in the vicinity of Bari Kowt in order to deter enemy activities against coalition forces. The missions were reported as successful by a JTAC.

In the vicinity of Nangalam, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds, rockets, and dropped a general purpose 500-pound bomb onto anti-Afghan forces in the area. A JTAC confirmed the mission as a success.

A Royal Air Force GR.9 Harrier fired rockets and dropped Enhanced Paveway II munitions onto enemy positions in the vicinity of Kajaki Dam. Furthermore, a RAF GR.7 Harrier performed a show of force in the area in order to deter enemy activities against coalition forces. The mission was declared a success by a JTAC.

In the vicinity of Bari Kowt, A-10s fired a rocket and cannon rounds onto anti-Afghan forces in the area. A JTAC reported the mission as a success.

F-15Es dropped GBU-31s onto an anti-Afghan forces rocket team in the vicinity of Lwara. Furthermore, an F-15E conducted a show of force in order to deter enemy activities against coalition forces in the area. The mission was confirmed as a success by a JTAC.

In the vicinity of Qaryan Ba, a B-1B and F-15Es dropped a GBU-38 and GBU-31s onto anti-Afghan forces and an anti-Afghan forces vehicle. A JTAC declared the missions successful.

A-10s fired cannon rounds, rockets, and dropped GBU-12s and general purpose 500-pound bombs onto anti-Afghan forces' positions in the vicinity of Bari Kowt. The missions were reported as successful by a JTAC.

French Mirage-2000s performed shows of force over enemy positions in the vicinity of Delaram and Maydan Kalay. A JTAC confirmed the missions as successful.

In the vicinity of Tarin Kowt, Asadabad, and Gizab, shows of force were conducted by an F-15E and A-10s in order to deter activities by anti-Afghan forces in the areas. The missions were declared successful by a JTAC.

In total, 50 close air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eleven Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, shows of force were performed by Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and Navy F/A-18C Hornets in the vicinity of Al Amarah and Wardiyah. The shows of force were performed in order to deter enemy activities in the areas. A JTAC reported the missions as a success.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 72 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-five Air Force, Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight Air Force, Navy, and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Approximately 129 airlift sorties were flown, 355 tons of cargo delivered, and 3,071 passengers were transported.

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

On June 20, Air Force, RAF, and Singaporean tanker crews flew 61 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3 million pounds of fuel to 263 receiving aircraft.