July 23 airpower summary: Predator strikes enemy combatants

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-31 and 38s onto enemy combatants in the vicinity of Jrestan. Additionally, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator  fired a Hellfire missile onto enemy combatants. Furthermore, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a GBU-12 onto anti-Afghan forces. The mission was confirmed successful by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

Near Nangalam, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds and rockets onto anti-Afghan force positions. Additionally, A-10s conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

A Navy F/A-18C Hornet dropped a GBU-38 onto a friendly forces vehicle near Gereshk. The vehicle had been disabled from enemy attack. The vehicle was destroyed to deny enemy access to salvageable parts. The mission was declared successful by a JTAC.

In the vicinity of Ajrestan, a B-1B dropped a GBU-38 and 31s onto enemy forces. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

An F-15E dropped a GBU-12 and 38 onto anti-Afghan forces in the vicinity of Shinkay. The mission was reported successful by a JTAC.

F-15Es performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Gardez and near Gereshk. The JTACs declared the missions successful.

French 2000 Mirages conducted shows of force to deter anti-Afghan activities in the vicinity of Gereshk. The missions were confirmed successful by the JTACs.

Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Qalat. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

F/A-18Cs conducted a show of force near Lashkar Gah to deter anti-Afghan activities. The mission was declared successful by a JTAC.

In total, 64 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

Twenty-eight Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Air Force 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 128 airlift sorties were flown, 509 tons of cargo delivered and 1,535 passengers were transported. This included approximately 37,928 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 July 22, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 34 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3 million pounds of fuel to 296 receiving aircraft.