CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 24

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 24.

In Afghanistan Dec. 23, Air Force B-1B Lancers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad and Qalat.

In total, 37 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Additionally, six Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and Air Force F-15 Strike Eagles provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces in the vicinity of Baqubah.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 24 close-air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Additionally, 10 Air Force and Navy 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. More than 100 airlift sorties were flown; about 350 tons of cargo was delivered, and more than 1,570 passengers were transported. This included about 18,700 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in eastern Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 22, Air Force and Royal Air Force tankers flew 31 sorties and off-loaded more than 1.9 million pounds of fuel.