B-1B strikes Taliban stronghold

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  A B-1B Lancer struck a Taliban-associated compound May 17 near Kandahar, Afghanistan, in support of coalition ground forces conducting operations to detain individuals suspected of terrorist activities.

The bomber responded to an immediate air support request with a GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition, destroying the compound from which the Taliban members were attacking. Coalition ground forces reported approximately 15 to 20 Taliban were killed from the air strike.

These individuals were active members of the Taliban network and conducted attacks against coalition and Afghan forces. Additionally, they conducted attacks against Afghan government officials and are suspected of constructing improvised explosive devices and training other enemy fighters.

This was the first use of a GBU-38 JDAM by a B-1B in a combat environment. The Air Force recently added a new software package to the bomber that allows it to carry and deliver this guided weapon. The JDAM, a 500-pound bomb, is a precision weapon that allows warfighters to focus their strikes and minimize collateral damage.

“With the new software package and this precision weapon, we can target and eliminate the terrorist threat in close quarters,” said Maj. Gen. Allen Peck, deputy Combined Forces Air Component commander for U.S. Central Command. “We’re able to better support our coalition ground forces,” he said “and significantly reduce the possibility of civilian casualties.”