Airpower: F-16 strike takes out terrorists

US Air Force,

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs engaged multiple enemy combatants and structures with a guided bomb unit-12, a GBU-38, a general purpose 500-pound bomb, and cannon rounds near Deh Rawod. The enemy combatants were engaged with coalition forces using small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades.

During the same mission, Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s used Enhanced Paveway II munitions, general purpose 540-pound bombs, and rockets against the enemy. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles also engaged the combatants with GBU-38s. The joint terminal attack controller confirmed the missions as successful.

French Mirage 2000s conducted shows of force to deter enemy activity in Asmar. The mission was reported as a success.

In Asadabad, GR-7s used Enhanced Paveway II munitions, a general purpose 540-pound bomb, and rockets against an enemy mortar position, enemy combatants, and an enemy structure.

During the same engagement, Air Force B-1B targeted an enemy structure with a GBU-31 and GBU-38s. Enemy combatants were engaging coalition forces in the area. The missions were reported as successful by the JTAC.

Enemy combatants were targeted with cannon rounds by F-15Es in Tarin Kowt. Shows of force were also performed to deter enemy actions in the area. The JTAC deemed the mission as a success.

An Air Force MQ-9 Reaper engaged enemy combatants with a GBU-12 in Asadabad. The enemy combatants were engaging coalition forces in the area. The mission was reported as successful by the JTAC.

An F-15E conducted a show of force near Musa Qala. The mission was reported as a success by the JTAC.

In total, 42 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seven Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons destroyed an Al Qaeda safe house with GBU-38s in Babil. The mission was reported as a success by the JTAC.

A Navy F/A-18C Hornet performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Mosul. The JTAC deemed the mission as a success.

In Yusufiah, F/A-18Cs destroyed an enemy structure with a GBU-12, a BGU-38, and a GBU-51. The mission was reported as successful by the JTAC.

An F-16 conducted a show of force in Samarra to deter enemy activities. The JTAC assessed the mission as successful.

A show of force was performed by an F/A-18C to deter enemy activities in Baghdad. The mission was reported as a success by the JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 56 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 five Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. 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 150 airlift sorties were flown, 698 tons of cargos were delivered and 2,531 passengers were transported. This included approximately 38,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Nov. 22, U.S. Air Force, French, and RAF tankers flew 44 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 210 receiving aircraft.