US Air Force,
SOUTHWEST ASIA: Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Oct. 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.
In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7 launched an Enhanced Paveway II munition against a compound harboring enemy personnel that posed an imminent danger to friendly forces southwest of Kabul. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed the mission was successful.
French Mirage-2000s targeted vehicles transporting enemy personnel near Kabul with Guided Bomb Unit-12s. The GBU-12s successfully hit and destroyed the targets. The mission was assessed as successful.
An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dispensed flares during a show of force to deter enemy activity in Jalez. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.
During close air support in Qalat, an Air Force B1-B Lancer conducted a show force with the use of flares to deter hostile threats. The JTAC declared the mission was successful.
A show of force was flown by a Royal Air Force Harrier GR-9 over a known ambush route as friendly forces traveled through Qalat. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.
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AFGHANISTAN — U.S. Air Force Maj. Jaska Cason, C-130 Hercules aircraft mission commander, calculates, coordinates and prepares his crew before dropping 30,000 warning leaflets over the southeastern mountains of Afghanistan. The leaflets were used to communicate with Taliban extremists, warning them not to interfere with Coalition activities. The leaflet airdrop mission is helping to create an environment that will enable the government of Afghanistan to help improve security and the Afghan people's quality of life. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo, Released)
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During an engagement in Gereshk, ground troops requested an air strike provided by a GR-7 using rockets to subdue indirect fire by hostile combatants. The JTAC confirmed the strike successful.
During the same mission in Gereshk, the GR-7 conducted a show force over a hostile area which enemy combatants were known to operate. The JTAC declared the mission was successful.
In total, 31 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Ten Air Force and Royal Air Force Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
In Iraq, a Royal Air Force Tornado GR-4 demonstrated a show of force in Samarra to deter enemy activity. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.
In total, Coalition aircraft flew 51 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-one Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
U.S. Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.
Approximately 140 airlift sorties were flown; 306 tons of cargo were delivered, and 3,537 passengers were transported. This included approximately 12,400 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, and Japan flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On Oct. 21, U.S. Air Force, French and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 40 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 175 receiving aircraft.
