Aug. 11 airpower summary: Predators provide edge in war on terrorism

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in operations Aug. 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a show of force with flares to stop enemies from firing on coalition forces near Kajaki Dam.

Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7As fired rockets at an enemy compound in Kajaki Dam. The attacks were reported as successful by the joint terminal attack controller.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped multiple guided bomb unit-38s on enemy positions in Sangin. The JTAC in the area reported being surrounded on three sides and taking fire. The B-1 struck the known firing positions. The bombs were confirmed to have good hits.

An F-15E provided a show of force with flares to deter a potential enemy reattack in a district near Now Zad. Another F-15E showed force with flares over a friendly forces position in Shkin. Both flybys were considered successful.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds at an enemy firing position in Asadabad. Another A-10 provided a show of force with multiple flares over a stopped convoy that had been struck by an improvised explosive device.

The A-10s watched over the convoy during the medical evacuation as well.

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

Six 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 F-16 Fighting Falcons destroyed a location reportedly used for making rockets with GBU-38s in Karbala.

A-10s fired cannon rounds at a rocket position in Iskandariyah. An F-16 also dropped a GBU-12 on the rocket position.

Another F-16 provided a successful show of force with flares over Baqubah. The F-16s also watched over a convoy hit by an IED and other coalition movements in Bayji.

An A-10 provided overwatch for a medical evacuation after friendly forces were attacked by a sniper and hit by an IED in Baghdad.

Also in Baghdad, Royal Air Force GR-4 Tornados watched over a resupply route.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 46 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.

Fourteen Air Force, Navy and RAF ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Some 131 airlift sorties were flown, 461 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,501 passengers were transported.

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

On Aug. 10, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 49 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.3 million pounds of fuel to 198 receiving aircraft.