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SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Feb. 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.
In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs destroyed a series of anti-Afghan fighting positions while providing close air support during an extended firefight on the ground. After a show of force and a warning shot with a smoke marking round went unheeded, the jets engaged enemy positions with general purpose 500-pound munitions and 30 mm Avenger cannon strafes. Coalition ground units reported all enemy fire had stopped after the strikes.
Near Kajaki Dam, a UK Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier was called in by ground units facing enemy fire from several buildings located in walled compounds. The Harrier hit the enemy positions using rockets and a Paveway munition, bringing hostilities to a close.
A coalition aircraft used a guided bomb unit-12 to strike an enemy sniper hiding in and firing from a civilian complex in the Musa Qala area. Using precision engagement tactics, the aircraft was able to restrict the damage to the building where the sniper was located, preserving the remainder of the compound.
A-10s and a coalition aircraft flew shows of force over Ghazni, Bagram, and Lashkar Gah as deterrence against enemy action while coalition units performed their missions. The aircraft served as an additional measure of security for coalition forces' ongoing security and reconstruction efforts.
Joint Terminal Attack Controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.
In total, 56 close air support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Eighteen Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, a coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 59 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities.
Twenty-seven Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, a coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
U.S. Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.
Approximately 135 airlift sorties were flown; more than 525 tons of cargo was delivered; and about 3,000 passengers were transported. This included approximately 60,000 pounds of troop re-supply that was air-dropped in Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On Feb. 19, U.S. Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 49 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.2 million pounds of fuel to 263 receiving aircraft.
| Date Taken: | 02.22.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 02.22.2009 06:19 |
| Story ID: | 30289 |
| Location: | (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION) |
| Web Views: | 283 |
| Downloads: | 280 |
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