July 23 airpower summary: Strike Eagles provide keen overwatch Published July 25, 2007 SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-38 on enemies in Uruzgan. The weapon hit its intended target. An on-scene Air Force MQ-1 Predator indicated the strike was successful. An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II provided a show of force with flares to deter enemy attacks in Bermel. The show of force was reported as successful. Other A-10s destroyed compounds in Now Zad with GBU-12s. The pilots also conducted a show of force over the area. A Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier also provided a show of force for the ground forces in the Now Zad battle. A French Mirage 2000 and Mirage F-1 provided shows of force with multiple flares for a convoy moving to a forwrad operating base in Qalat. An F-15E also provided over watch for the convoy. An A-10 provided a show of force over an area in Orgun-E and searched for improvised explosive devices after an explosion in the area. Another A-10 conducted a show of force for ground units in Nangalam who were surrounded by a large number of Taliban militia. The successful show of force was to demonstrate an air presence and reassure the ground forces. An F-15E hit an insurgent compound and mortar position with GBU-38s and GBU-31s in Sangin. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the drops as successful. In Gereshk, an A-10 fired cannon rounds at an enemy compound. Many insurgents fled the compound after the attack. The pilot then provided a show of force to deter any more attacks. In total, 45 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the 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. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. In Iraq, an MQ-1 launched a Hellfire missile at insurgents firing on coalition forces from a rooftop in Baghdad. The missile hit its intended target. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided shows of force and overwatch in areas around Baghdad. The pilots also watched over an area after an IED explosion. Another F-16 provided a show of force over an Iraqi Army checkpoint in Baghdad that had been overrun by insurgents during a firefight. Later the checkpoint was retaken by coalition forces. The show of force was deemed successful. Royal Air Force GR-4 Tornados conducted successful shows of force with multiple flares over areas in Baghdad. The pilots also dropped enhanced Paveway II munitions on artillery left behind by insurgents in Basrah. The artillery was destroyed by the drop. F-16s showed force with flares against a sniper near Balad. The pilots also provided overwatch for a quick response force raiding an insurgent safe house. An Air Force B-1B Lancer showed force over a known ambush position in Al Kut before coalition forces moved in. Other GR-4s conducted shows of force over a building in Basrah. The shows of force were reported as successful. They also provided over watch for a convoy struck by an IED. 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. Eighteen Air Force, Navy, RAF and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intratheater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Approximately 154 airlift sorties were flown, 600 tons of cargo were delivered, and 2,314 passengers were transported. Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq and Japan flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq. On July 22, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 223 receiving aircraft.