CENTAF releases airpower summary

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U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for July 28.

In Afghanistan July 27, an Air Force Predator unmanned aerial vehicle conducted a strike against Taliban extremists gathering in a building in the vicinity of Kandahar. The UAV expended Hellfire missiles, destroying the building.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolts provided close-air support for coalition troops taking small arms fire from Taliban extremists near Gereshk. An A-10 expended a general-purpose 500-pound bomb on the extremists' position, ending the engagement.

A-10s provided close-air support for coalition troops taking small arms, heavy machine gun and rocket-propelled grenade fire from Taliban extremists in the vicinity of Lashkar Gah. The A-10s conducted strafing passes, expending cannon rounds and dropping a general-purpose 500-pound bomb on the extremists' positions, ending the engagement.

A-10s and a B-1B Lancer also provided close-air support to coalition troops taking small arms, rocket-propelled grenade and mortar fire from Taliban extremists in the vicinity of Musah Qal'eh. The A-10s conducted strafing passes, expending cannon rounds and dropping Guided Bomb Unit-12s on the enemy locations, ending the engagement.

Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers also provided close-air support to coalition troops taking small arms, rocket-propelled grenade and mortar fire from Taliban extremists in the vicinity of Qalat.

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

In total, coalition aircraft flew 30 close-air-support missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. These missions included support to coalition and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

In Iraq, an Air Force Predator UAV conducted a precision strike against anti-Iraqi forces traveling in a vehicle in the vicinity of Ar Ramadi. The UAV expended Hellfire missiles, destroying the target.

In another precision strike near Ar Ramadi, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons expended a GBU-12, destroying an anti-Iraqi forces location.

Additionally, 15 U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and Royal Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq .

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.

On July 26, an Air Force rescue and medical crew on an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter flew one medical evacuation mission in support of OEF. Two coalition military members with injuries requiring urgent care were evacuated as a result of this mission.

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globmaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Approximately 160 airlift sorties were flown; more than 630 tons of cargo were delivered, and some 2,770 passengers were transported.

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

On July 26, Air Force, Royal Air Force and French Air Force tankers flew 39 sorties and off-loaded almost 2.1 million pounds of fuel.