Feb. 25 airpower summary: F-16s target enemy compound

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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 Feb. 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s onto enemy positions in the vicinity of Deh Rawod. The locations included an enemy mortar position, an enemy command and control building, and an enemy commander position. All missions were declared successful by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

An Air Force MQ-1 Predator fired a hellfire missile onto enemy combatants along a road in the vicinity Musah Qal'eh. A JTAC confirmed the mission as successful.

In Kajaki Dam, a Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities against coalition forces who were taking indirect fire. The mission was reported as successful by a JTAC.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped GBU-12s and fired cannon rounds into an enemy compound containing enemy combatants and a weapons cache. A JTAC declared the mission a success.

In the vicinity of Musah Qal'eh, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped GBU-12s, GBU-31s and GBU-38s onto an enemy weapons cache tunnel complex. Furthermore, an F-15E provided a show of force in the area to deter enemy activities against coalition forces in that area. The missions were confirmed as successful by a JTAC.

In the areas of Bagram and Bari Kowt, A-10s performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities against coalition forces in the area. A JTAC reported the missions as successful.

In total, 43 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine 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 dropped GBU-38s onto house-borne improvised explosive devices in the vicinity of Baqubah. The missions were declared successful by a JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 43 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.

Nine Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six 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 126 airlift sorties were flown, 741 tons of cargo delivered and 2,601 passengers were transported. This included approximately 24,000 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 Feb. 24, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 247 receiving aircraft.