Airpower Summary for December 5

Published Dec. 6, 2007
Combined Air and Space Operations

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Dec. 05, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped Guided Bomb Unit-38s against enemy compounds in Garmsir. The strike targeted enemy combatants taking positions within the buildings. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed the strike hit the intended targets.

A Royal Air Force Harrier GR-9 successfully performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Musa Qal'eh.

In Nowzad, Coalition troop engagements against enemy combatants were supported by multiple Air Force aircrafts. A B1-B Lancer, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, and F-15Es dropped GBU-38s. A 500 pound bomb, cannon rounds, and a GBU-12 were delivered from the A-10s. Additionally, an MQ-1B Predator fired a hellfire missile while another GBU-12 was fired from an MQ-9A Reaper. These munitions were used against enemy combatants who were taking positions in buildings and rocket propelled grenade sites. The JTAC confirmed successful strikes against the targets and the desired effect was achieved during the hostile action.

Several GBU-38s and GBU-31s were dropped from a B1-B against enemy positions north of Farah. Coalition forces were engaging enemy combatants in fighting positions located on nearby hills and compounds. The strike was declared successful by the JTAC as the bombs achieved the desired effect.

F-15Es successfully conducted shows of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Musa Qal'eh, Kajaki Dam, and Sangin areas. Additionally, GBU-38s were used against an enemy compound in Sangin. The missions were assessed as successful by the JTAC.

Shows of force with flares deterred enemy activities during demonstrations conducted by A-10s in southeast Jalalabad. The JTAC deemed the missions a success.

In total, 41 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon dropped a GBU-31 against a modified bridge in Babil province. Al Qaeda combatants were using the bridge as a crossing point. The JTAC declared the strike successfully destroyed the bridge.

An enemy vehicle transporting enemy combatants was struck by a maverick missile from an F-16 in Baqubah. The strike was confirmed by the JTAC as the intended target was destroyed.

A GBU-12 and a GBU-38 from an F-16 were used against enemy combatants in Baqubah. Coalition forces were engaging the enemy in hostile action. The JTAC assessed the mission as successful as the enemy fire ceased.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 53 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-four Air Force, Navy, and Royal Air Force Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force 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 145 airlift sorties were flown; 350 tons of cargos were delivered, and 3,241 passengers were transported. This included approximately 50,368 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 04, U.S. Air Force, French, and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 220 receiving aircraft.