Sept. 9 airpower summary: A-10s provide top cover

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, while providing coverage for coalition forces near Now Zad, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles struck an enemy mortar position with guided bomb unit-38s. The aircrew also hit an enemy vehicle fleeing the area with GBU-12s. Joint terminal attack controllers confirmed the bombs hit their targets. One of the F-15Es also performed a successful show of force with flares to deter further attacks.

Earlier in Now Zad, another F-15E performed a show of force with flares to deter mortar fire on ground forces. A JTAC confirmed the show of force was effective.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force over vehicles to deter movement toward friendly forces near Now Zad.

In Shewan, Royal Air Force GR-9 Harriers provided shows of force to demonstrate that air support was present for a meeting between the populace and a coalition commander.

A French air force Mirage 2000 performed a show of force with flares over coalition forces near Qal E Naw.

A-10s conducted shows of force with flares over areas near Worzhanah Kalay and Kandahar. The shows of force were to stop improvised explosive device emplacement along a convoy route, and to ward off enemy attacks. The shows of force proved successful.

In total, 45 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force 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 RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, an Air Force B-1B Lancer destroyed a weapons cache in Al Hawijah using GBU-31s. The bomber also provided a show of force with flares over the area as well.

An A-10 conducted a show of force with flares to help ground units exit an area in Al Muqdadiyah.

Also in Al Muqdadiyah, RAF GR-4 Tornados performed successful shows of force to stop improvised explosive device emplacers and disperse suspicious people.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons conducted successful shows of force over an IED site and for a convoy on patrol near Al Numaniyah. One of the flights also searched for emplacers in Khan Bani Sad.

Also in Khan Bani Sad, an F-16 provided a successful show of force for a convoy that came under fire during a cordon and search mission.

A Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet provided a show of force over a coalition convoy in Al Muqdadiyah. The JTAC reported the flyover as successful.

F-16s destroyed a building complex being used as a vehicle-borne IED factory using GBU-38s and GBU-12s in Baqubah.

Also in Baqubah, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator fired a Hellfire missile at one of the buildings in the VBIED complex.

Continuing the engagement, GR-4s also helped destroy the VBIED factory with Enhanced Paveway II munitions.

F-16s provided shows of force with flares over an Iraqi police station that had been destroyed in Bayji. The show of force was to disperse a crowd that had formed around the police station.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 70 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 Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, seven Air Force, 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 140 airlift sorties were flown, 630 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 3,500 passengers were transported. This included approximately 13,250 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Sept. 8, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 55 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 240 receiving aircraft.