Oct. 20 airpower summary: Reaper strikes enemy target

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9A Reaper dropped a guided bomb unit-12 onto anti-Afghan forces who were using small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades against coalition forces conducting a raid in the vicinity of Lashkar Gah. Furthermore, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-38s in the same area. The missions were confirmed successful by the on-scene joint terminal attack controllers.

Near Gereshk, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fired cannon rounds onto anti-Afghan forces who were shooting at coalition forces. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

In the vicinity of Malek Din, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fired rockets onto hostile forces who had fired at a coalition convoy. The mission was declared successful by A JTAC.

Near Gardez, an A-10 fired rockets at hostile forces that were shooting at Afghan National Police. Furthermore, an A-10 conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities near the same area. The on-scene JTACs reported the missions successful. 

Coalition aircraft performed shows of force in the vicinity of Oruzgan and Lashkar Gah to deter enemy activities. The missions where confirmed a success by the JTACs.

In total, 72 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Fourteen Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, four Navy and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 47 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Thirty five Air Force, Navy and Coalition ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Approximately 120 airlift sorties were flown, nearly 400 tons of cargo delivered, and more than 3,500 passengers were transported. This included approximately 39,000 pounds of troop resupply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Oct. 19, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 51 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.4 million pounds of fuel to 298 receiving aircraft.