April 15 airpower summary: Predator strikes enemy

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Gardez and Orgune. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the success of the missions.

In Kandahar, French 2000 Mirages performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities. The mission's success was declared by a JTAC. 

A Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities. The success of the mission was reported by a JTAC. 

In total, 39 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten 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 Baghdad and Baqubah. The missions were confirmed successful by a JTAC.

In Basrah, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator dropped hellfire missiles in order to destroy an enemy rocket-propelled grenade team and an enemy vehicle carrying RPGs. In addition a RAF GR-4 Tornado performed a show of force in order to deter any further activities. A JTAC declared that the missions were successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 57 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-seven Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance 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 153 airlift sorties were flown, 606 tons of cargo delivered and 3,682 passengers were transported. This included approximately 27,410 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On April 14, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 248 receiving aircraft.