Jan. 23 airpower summary: A-10s strike enemy positions

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

In Afghanistan, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers conducted shows of force in order to deter enemy activities and used rockets, enhanced paveway II munitions, and a general-purpose 540-pound bomb to successfully destroy an enemy compound and several enemy combatant positions.

In Sangin, a RAF GR-7 used enhanced paveway II munitions to destroy a coalition forces vehicle that had broken down, so enemy combatants would not have access to it. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the mission a success.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped guided bomb unit-38s on an enemy compound destroying the facility. The mission was reported as successful by the JTAC.

In Bari Kowt, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II and F-15E dropped a GBU-12, GBU-31, and a GBU-38 on enemy positions. The JTAC confirmed the missions as a success.

Shows of force were conducted by A-10s in both Orgune and Jalalabad in order to deter enemy activities in the areas. The missions were declared successful by the JTAC.

In Shindand, an F-15E performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in the area. The JTAC reported the mission as a success.

In total, 44 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 17 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

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

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 121 airlift sorties were flown; 473 tons of cargo were delivered, and 2,270 passengers were transported. This included approximately 21,000 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 Jan. 22, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 188 receiving aircraft.