Dec. 28 airpower summary: F-16s strike enemy in Iraq

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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 Dec. 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Khowst. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the show of force successful.

A French Mirage 2000 conducted a show of force to deter enemy actions in Orgune. The mission was deemed successful by a JTAC. 

An F-15E performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Musa Qala. The show of force was reported as successful by a JTAC.

In total, 41 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine Air Force and Royal Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, an Air Force B-1B Lancer destroyed a cave with guided bomb unit-38s near Baqubah. The cave was used by enemy combatants. The mission was reported as a success by a JTAC.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons engaged enemy combatants with GBU-38s and cannon rounds in Balad. The enemy combatants were engaging friendly forces with small arms fire. The mission was reported as successful by a JTAC.

An F-16 destroyed a house containing an improvised explosive device with a GBU-38 in Baqubah. A JTAC reported the mission a success.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 48 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-four Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support 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 support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 149 airlift sorties were flown, 661 tons of cargos were delivered, and 2,140 passengers were transported. This included approximately 97,540 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada and Iraq flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Dec. 27, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 38 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 198 receiving aircraft.