April 10 airpower summary: Predator fires missiles on enemy mortar team

Published April 11, 2008

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier dropped an Enhanced Paveway II munition onto an enemy position in Zaranj. The mission was declared successful by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

In Qalat, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fired cannon rounds onto an enemy combatant on a motorcycle successfully destroying the target. Furthermore, an A-10 conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities in the area. A JTAC confirmed the missions as a success.

In total, 41 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seven Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, a Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities against coalition forces in the vicinity of Basrah. The mission was reported as a success by a JTAC.

An Air Force MQ-1 Predator fired a Hellfire missile onto enemy combatants in the vicinity of Baghdad. A JTAC declared the mission a success.

An MQ-1 fired Hellfire missiles onto an enemy mortar team in Basrah. The mission was confirmed as successful by a JTAC.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons conducted shows of force in Basrah and Baqubah in order to deter enemy activities in the areas. A JTAC reported the missions as a success.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 72 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-four Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight Air Force, Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 164 airlift sorties were flown, 702 tons of cargo delivered and 3,762 passengers were transported. This included approximately 19,800 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia and Japan flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On April 9, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 253 receiving aircraft.