Nov. 5 airpower summary: A-10s target insurgents

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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 Nov. 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a French Mirage 2000 engaged enemy combatants with guided bomb unit-38s in Tarin Kowt. The enemy combatants were responsible for attacks against coalition forces. A French Mirage F-1CR also assisted in the strike with the use of a GBU-12 and cannon rounds. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller assessed the mission was successful.

In Qal'eh Naw, an enemy position was targeted with GBU-38s by an Air Force B1-B Lancer. The B1-B supported coalition forces who were taking fire from an enemy hilltop position. The JTAC declared the munitions successfully hit the intended targets.
Shows of force were conducted by a Mirage 2000 and an F-1 CR over coalition positions to deter enemy actions in Orgune. The mission was confirmed successful by the JTAC.

In total, 24 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped GBU-38s on a tunnel used by enemy combatants who were escaping from a raid by coalition forces in Tuz. The JTAC confirmed the tunnel was destroyed and 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 overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-three Air Force, Navy, and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy 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 164 airlift sorties were flown; 569 tons of cargos were delivered, and 3,693 passengers were delivered by C-17s. This included approximately 18,000 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 Nov. 4, Air Force, French, and RAF tankers flew 44 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.2 million pounds of fuel to 233 receiving aircraft.