Feb. 10 airpower: F-16s destroy IED production plant

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 10.

In Afghanistan Feb. 9, an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops taking small-arms fire from Taliban extremists near Pashsbad. The B-1 successfully expended a guided bomb unit-38 and GBU-31s on enemy firing positions, ending the engagement.

In total, 25 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Additionally, six U.S. and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Navy fighter aircraft performed in non-traditional ISR roles with their electro-optical and infrared sensors.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons conducted a strike against an anti-Iraqi forces improvised explosive device manufacturing building near Baghdad. The F-16s expended a GBU-38 and a GBU-12, successfully destroying the building and eliminating the facility's IED production.

F-16s also provided shows of force for troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Balad. The F-16s provided over watch to an area where troops were receiving small-arms fire. The F-16s also provided convoy watch support.

F-16s provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Basra, Al Mahmudiyah and Baghdad.

An RAF GR-4 provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Basra.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 46 close-air-support missions for Multi National Corps - Iraq priorities. These missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Additionally, 17 Air Force, Navy and RAF ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq.

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. They flew 150 airlift sorties, delivered 455 tons of cargo and transported 3,960 passengers.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada and Japan flew in support of OIF or OEF.

On Feb. 8, U.S., RAF and French Air Force tankers flew 36 sorties and off-loaded more than 2.2 million pounds of fuel.