Aug. 6 airpower summary: Reaper bombs insurgents

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a French 2000 Mirage dropped a guided bomb unit-12 onto anti-Afghan forces in the vicinity of Nangalam. The mission was confirmed successful by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

In the vicinity of Balocan, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator fired a Hellfire missile onto armed insurgents. Furthermore, an Air Force MQ-9 Reaper dropped a GBU-12 onto enemy forces. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted shows of force to deter insurgent activities in the vicinity of Bala Morghab, Soltani, Asmar and near Nurestan. The missions were declared successful by the JTACs.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force to deter enemy activities near Nurestan. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

In total, 74 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-38s onto weapon caches near Kharbut. The mission was confirmed successful by a JTAC.

F-16s conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities near Balad. A JTAC declared the mission successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 53 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.

Twenty-three Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Air Force, Navy and RAF 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 98 airlift sorties were flown, 349 tons of cargo delivered and 2,515 passengers were transported. This included approximately 109,500 pounds of troop re-supply airdropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Iraq and Japan flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Aug. 5, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 65 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.4 million pounds of fuel to 304 receiving aircraft.