April 21 airpower summary: Reaper destroys enemy combatants

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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 April 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, French 2000 Mirages performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Now Zad, Sangin and Shindand. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the missions were successful. 

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped a guided bomb unit-31 and a 38 in order to destroy enemy combatants engaging friendly forces in Bari Kowt. In addition Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force in order to deter any further enemy activities. A JTAC reported the success of the missions.

Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Bermel. A JTAC declared that the missions were successful.

An F-15E performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Lawara. A JTAC confirmed that the mission was successful.

An A-10 performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Bagram. A JTAC reported the success of the mission.

In Kandahar, an Air Force MQ-9 Reaper dropped GBU-12s in order to destroy enemy combatants in an enemy building. A JTAC declared that the mission was successful.

In total, 47 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twelve Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Ad Diwaniyah and Baghdad. A JTAC reported the success of the missions.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 67 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-six Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight 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 148 airlift sorties were flown, 744 tons of cargo delivered and 3,089 passengers were transported. This included approximately 27,520 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 April 20,  Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 221 receiving aircraft.