July 25 airpower summary: A-10s provide top cover Published July 27, 2007 SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 25, 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 in support of friendly forces moving toward a compound in Tarin Kowt. The show of force was called successful by the on-scene joint terminal attack controller. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed enemies with cannon rounds on a ridgeline in Tarin Kowt. The pilots also provided a show of force with flares over the area. Later, the A-10s hit an enemy compound with guided bomb unit-12s in Sangin. The weapons impacted their targets. Other A-10s provided shows of force for a convoy after it had been attacked near Gereshk. The pilots also provided overwatch during the medical evacuation as well. The shows of force followed afterward to ensure the convoy wasn't attacked again. A Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier also fired rockets at the enemies responsible for attacking the convoy and provided a show of force over the area. Enemy fire reportedly ceased after the rockets were fired. Also in Gereshk, an RAF GR-7 Harrier hit an enemy compound with an enhanced Paveway II munition. The weapon impacted its target according to the JTAC. An F-15E dropped a GBU-38 on an insurgent compound in Gardez. The weapon impacted its intended target. In total, 45 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Twelve Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons watched over an explosive ordnance disposal team responding to the scene of an improvised explosive device in Bayji. Other F-16s looked for other IEDs in the area. F-16s also spotted IED emplacers in Samarra. In Baghdad, F-16s destroyed a building being used by insurgents with GBU-38s. The F-16s also provided a show of force to reinforce air presence over another part of Baghdad. Other F-16s as well as A-10s patrolled the skies looking for IEDs and any unusual activities on the ground and on rooftops throughout Baghdad. An RAF GR-4 Tornado conducted a show of force with multiple flares over Basrah to disperse a crowd that had formed around a disabled convoy. Another GR-4 provided a show of force with flares over Basrah Palace after a reported attack. In total, coalition aircraft flew 52 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. Eighteen Air Force, Navy, RAF and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force 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. Some 151 airlift sorties were flown, 497 tons of cargo were delivered and 2488 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 11,000 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 July 24, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 48 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 219 receiving aircraft.