Afghanistan / Iraq the bombing and aerial attacks continue relentlessly

CENTCOM released their weekly airpower summary in Air Force Link. AS usual this provides interesting snippets of actual use of airpower in theatre. Something that never seems to filter through to the Press or in reports from reporters. In total,in Afghanistan 47 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Near Sangin, more F/A-18s released GBU-12s (500lb precision guided HE bomb) and GBU-38s (2,000 lb precision Guided HE bomb) on a desired target at the request of a ground commander and under the precise direction of a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC). The JTAC stated that the coordinates were good and that the weapons impacted the target. Royal Air Force GR-7A Harrier IIs released Enhanced Paveway II munitions on insurgents observed gathering within a compound where Coalition forces received fire near Sangin.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 48 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions provided support to Coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

The F-16s were assigned counter improvised explosive device missions. (?)

Pic F-15E Strike Eagles used to provide infrastructure protection and support to coalition troops, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities. close protection