Sept. 2 airpower summary: A-10s provide show of force

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs attacked insurgent caves with guided bomb unit-12s in Asadabad. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the bomb hit the target.

Also in Asadabad, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle attacked insurgents in buildings with GBU-38s and GBU-12s. The buildings were situated with a large compound. The F-15Es also hit caves along a ravine with GBU-31s as well. The engagements were considered successful.

An A-10 strafed enemies in Kandahar with cannon rounds. The enemies were firing mortars at friendly forces before the strafing pass. The JTAC confirmed good hits from the weapons.

Also in Kandahar, an Air Force B-1B Lancer performed a show of force over a firefight between Taliban soldiers and Afghan district police.

An A-10 provided a successful show of force with flares to ward off enemy attacks in Tarin Kowt.

A Royal Air Force GR-9A Harrier conducted a successful show of force over an area near Ghazni.

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

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

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons destroyed weapons caches using GBU-38s near Bayji. There were secondary explosions when the weapon impacted the cache

Another F-16 showed force over Al Kut to stop enemies from firing at a convoy that had stopped to fix a flat tire. The small arms fire stopped after the show of force.

Another F-16 and an A-10 provided shows of force with flares to disperse a large crowd in Baghdad. Both flyovers were called successful by the JTAC.

An RAF GR-4 Tornado conducted a successful show of force at Basrah Palace.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 69 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.

Sixteen Air Force, Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Navy 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 150 airlift sorties were flown; 380 tons of cargo were delivered, and nearly 2,835 passengers were transported.

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

On Sept. 1, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 240 receiving aircraft.