U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today’s airpower summary.

Coalition aircraft flew 39 close-air support and armed reconnaissance sorties Nov. 20 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They supported coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Coalition aircraft also supported Iraqi and coalition ground forces operations to create a secure environment for ongoing Transitional National Assembly meetings.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons flew an air strike against improvised explosive device locations near Ramadi, successfully dropping precision-guided bombs. Other Air Force F-16s provided close-air support to coalition troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Al Hawijah and Husaybah.

In addition, 12 Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Royal Air Force fighter aircraft flew in a non-traditional ISR role with their electro-optical and infrared sensors.

In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft flew 21 close-air support and armed reconnaissance sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. They included support to coalition and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and the conduct of presence route patrols.

An Air Force B-52 Stratofortress flew an air strike against anti-coalition militia near Kandahar. The bomber successfully dropped precision-guided bombs against enemy firing positions.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs flew close-air support to assist coalition forces in contact with insurgents near Asadabad, Deh Rawood and Oruzgan.

In addition, three Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Also, RAF fighter aircraft flew in a non-traditional ISR role.

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs flew intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. They flew about 170 airlift sorties, delivered about 300 tons of cargo and transported more than 2,900 passengers.

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

On Nov. 19, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 30 sorties and off-loaded nearly 2 million pounds of fuel.