Oct. 26 airpower summary: Shows of force deter enemy

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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 Oct. 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles targeted enemy combatants with guided bomb unit-38s in Bari Kowt. The joint terminal attack controller confirmed the mission as successful.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a strike against a cave used by enemy combatants with GBU-31s in Tarin Kowt. The mission was confirmed a success by the JTAC.

In Sangin, U.S. Navy A-8B Harriers conducted an air strike against an enemy fortified position with GBU-12s and a GBU-38. The mission was deemed successful by the JTAC.

An F-15E engaged an enemy observation post with a GBU-38 in Tarin Kowt. The JTAC confirmed the mission as a success.

During the same mission, an F-15E performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Tarin Kowt. The show of force was confirmed as successful by the JTAC.

Shows of force were also conducted by F-15Es to deter enemy actions near Orgune. The JTAC confirmed that the desired result was achieved.

In total, 33 close air support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten Air Force and Royal Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducted a strike against an enemy vehicle with a maverick missile in Bayji. The vehicle was used by enemy combatants during an improvised explosive device placement. The JTAC confirmed the mission as a success.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 49 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 Air Force and Navy surveillance an reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Approximately 153 airlift sorties were flown, 517 tons of cargo were delivered and 4,142 passengers were transported. This included approximately 60,500 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 25, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 39 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 202 receiving aircraft.