CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 12

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 12.

In Afghanistan Dec. 11, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Lashkar Gah.

An Air Force B-1 Lancer and RAF GR-7s provided close-air support for ISAF troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad. The GR-7s expended an Enhanced Paveway II on enemy positions.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support to ISAF troops in contact with enemy forces near Oruzgan.

In total, 36 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Additionally, nine U.S. and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle conducted a strike against anti-Iraqi forces near Balad. The Predator expended a Hellfire missile on enemy positions.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and F-15E Strike Eagles and RAF GR-4 Tornados provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Baghdad.

Air Force F-16s provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Al Taji. F-16s also provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near of Samarra.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 42 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, 16 Air Force, Navy and RAF ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Air Force and Navy fighter aircraft performed in non-traditional ISR roles with their electro-optical and infrared sensors.

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 155 airlift sorties, delivered 400 tons of cargo and transported 2,270 passengers.

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

On Dec. 10, U.S. and French air force tankers flew 26 sorties and off-loaded almost 1.8 million pounds of fuel.