Agence France-Presse,
SOUTHWEST ASIA: Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.
In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles watched over advancing coalition forces in Tarin Kowt.
F-15Es dropped guided bomb unit-38s on insurgents located on a mountain top in Kandahar. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller called the drops successful. The pilots were then tasked to drop GBU-12s on another enemy location on the same mountain. The JTAC reported those drops were successful as well. The aircrews also provided escort to a coalition convoy in the area.
JTACs are highly trained Air Force and coalition personnel who advise ground commanders on appropriate air power support, relay the ground commander's intent to air power assets overhead and communicate with aircrews for precision engagement.
An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped a GBU-12 on insurgents hiding in a cave in Asadabad. Coalition forces marked the target with suppressing fire. The weapon drop was reported as successful. The A-10s also strafed enemies in the area with cannon rounds.
A Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier monitored coalition forces in direct contact with the enemy in Kajaki Dam.
Also in Kajaki Dam, F-15Es dropped munitions on buildings within an enemy compound. The JTAC confirmed the weapons drops had good effects. The aircrews also strafed the areas around the compound with cannon rounds as well.
An Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a show of force and shows of presence over a coalition route in Oruzgan.
In total, 39 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Five Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.
In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons used flares to conduct a show of force for ground forces leaving Bayji after a raid. The show of force was deemed successful by the JTAC.
Also in Bayji, other F-16s provided a show of force for friendly forces taking enemy fire from a building. This show of force was also deemed successful. The pilots also watched for suspicious personnel on rooftops.
F-16s also watched over friendly forces who had taken small-arms fire, and monitored any suspicious activity in Taji.
An RAF GR-4 Tornado conducted a show of force releasing flares for ground forces taking enemy fire from a building in Basrah. The enemy ceased fire after the show of force.
A-10s dropped GBU-12s on a building in Baquba. Coalition forces received a mortar attack from inside the building earlier. After the bombs impacted their targets, there was a secondary explosion inside the building. Secondary explosions generally indicate a weapons cache. The building was destroyed by the bombs.
Also in Baquba, Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets dropped GBU-12s on enemies inside a building. Coalition forces took fire from inside the building. The pilots performed a successful show of force against the building, but the firing continued. Then the ground commander ordered a strike on the building. The building was destroyed by the weapons.
In total, coalition aircraft flew 62 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.
Eighteen Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, seven Air Force, Navy and RAF fighter aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.
Approximately 145 airlift sorties were flown; more than 760 tons of cargo was delivered, and some 1,960 passengers were transported.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada and Iraq flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On June 4, Air Force, RAF, French and Republic of Singapore tankers flew 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 243 receiving aircraft.
