104 Close-Air-Support Missions Flown Over Afghanistan,
Iraq
Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in
Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan
during operations January 25, according to Combined Air and Space
Operations Center officials in Southwest Asia.
In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles eliminated enemy
combatants using guided bomb unit-38s near Bari Kowt. The on-scene
joint terminal attack controller declared the missions were
successful.
In Garmsir, a French Mirage-2000 eliminated enemy combatants
using a GBU-12. The success of the mission was confirmed by the
JTAC. In Sangin and Musah Qal'eh, a M2K/F1 and an F-15 performed
shows of force in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC
reported that the missions were successful.
In order to deter enemy activities in Uruzgan, an F-15 performed
a show of force. The JTAC declared that the mission was successful.
A show of force was performed in Bermal by an F-15 in order to
deter enemy activities. The JTAC confirmed that the mission was
successful.
In total, 46 close-air-support missions were flown as part of
the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and
route patrols.
Seven Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.
Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical
reconnaissance.
In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 58 close-air-support missions
for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and
synchronized Coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure,
provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to
deter and disrupt terrorist activities.
Twenty-three Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in
Iraq. Additionally, eight Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical
reconnaissance.
US Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided
intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations
throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.
Approximately 140 airlift sorties were flown, 203 tons of cargo
were delivered, and 3,642 passengers were transported. This
included approximately 58,600 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped
in Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq and Japan
flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On January 24, US Air Force and RAF aerial refueling crews flew
42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel
to 231 receiving aircraft.