Dec. 10 airpower summary: Reaper destroys target

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force over an enemy compound in Sangin and engaged enemy positions in the area with a guided bomb unit-38 and cannon rounds. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the operations successful.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II strafed enemy combatants with cannon rounds who were occupying a building in Sangin. The JTAC declared the rounds impacted with good hits.

Enemy personnel were struck by a hellfire missile fired from an Air Force MQ-1B Predator in Sangin. The strike was assessed as successful.

An Air Force MQ-9A Reaper dropped a GBU-12 on a building containing enemy ordnance in Sangin. The bomb destroyed the intended target.

In total, 42 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAFand Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon dropped a GBU-38 against an improvised explosive device factory northeast of Baqubah. The strike destroyed the factory, according to the JTAC.

F-16s dropped GBU-38s and GBU-12s against enemy buildings in the vicinity of Baqubah. The JTAC confirmed the bombs destroyed the targets.

An F-16 successfully performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Basra.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 50 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.

Twenty-two Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq.

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 132 airlift sorties were flown; 395 tons of cargos were delivered, and 3,007 passengers were transported. This included approximately 18,800 pounds of troop re-supply air dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 9, Air Force, French, and RAF tankers flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 227 receiving aircraft.