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Airpower Summary for January 4

  • Published
  • Combined Air and Space Operations Center
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Jan. 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs engaged enemy combatants with cannon rounds in Bagram. Enemy combatants were engaging friendly forces with small arms fire. In the same area, A-10s performed shows of force to deter enemy activities. The missions were reported as successful by the Joint Terminal Attack Controllers.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted an air strike against an enemy mortar position with a Guided Bomb Unit-38 in Asadabad. The JTAC reported the strike a success.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles engaged enemy combatants in buildings with a GBU-31 and GBU-38s in Deh Rawod. The enemy combatants in the buildings were engaging Coalition forces with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. The mission was reported as successful.

Shows of force were performed by F-15Es to deter enemy activities in Sangin. During one of the shows of force, flares were used. The missions were reported as successful by the JTAC.

Another show of force was conducted by an A-10 to deter enemy activities in Orgune. The show of force was reported a success.

In total, 34 close air support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Two Air Force Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons engaged enemy combatants with cannon rounds in Babil. During another mission in the same area, a house used by enemy combatants was destroyed by F-16s with GBU-38s. The enemy combatants were engaging friendly forces with small arms fire. The missions were reported as successful by the JTACs.

Royal Air Force Tornado GR-4s conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities in Al Kut. The shows of force were assessed as successful.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 58 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported Coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty Air Force, Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 125 airlift sorties were flown; 396 tons of cargos were delivered, and 2,781 passengers were transported.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq, and Japan flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Jan. 3, U.S. Air Force, French, and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 238 receiving aircraft.