Coalition airpower supported Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations April 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.
In Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force near Tirgari. The mission was reported as successful.
A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a Guided Bomb Unit-38 on an enemy firing position in a building near Sangin. The building was destroyed and a Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed a good hit.
JTACs are highly trained U.S. Air Force personnel who advise ground commanders on appropriate air power support, relay the ground commanderÂ’s intent to air power assets overhead and communicate with aircrews for precision engagement.
In total, 32 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Eleven U.S. Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two U.S. Navy and Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
In Iraq, U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs released cannon rounds at anti-Iraqi forces digging up weapons near Baqubah. A JTAC confirmed successful effects and the weapons cache was destroyed. The pilots also provided reconnaissance along several nearby routes and reported suspicious personnel and vehicles to a JTAC for further action... |