US Airpower Summary; Nov. 29, 2008: Reaper Attacks Anti-Afghan Forces

A MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aircraft prepares to land after a mission supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The Reaper has the ability to carry both precision-guided bombs and air-to-ground missiles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 29, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9 Reaper used Hellfire missiles against anti-Afghan forces carrying weapons and moving away from a compound in the vicinity of Bolocan. Furthermore, coalition aircraft performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in the same area. The missions were confirmed a success by the on-scene joint terminal attack controllers.

In the vicinity of Shkin, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped 500 pound bombs onto an anti-Afghan forces mortar team that was firing at a coalition convoy from a ridgeline. The JTACs declared the missions were successful.

An A-10 and a coalition aircraft conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities near Lashkar Gah and Sangin. The missions were reported a success by the JTACs.

In the vicinity of Farah and Asmar, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force and provided armed aerial overwatch to deter anti-Afghan forces from firing at a coalition convoy conducting operations in the area. The JTACs confirmed the missions were successful.

In total, 46 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Fourteen Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 48 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, Navy and coalition ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq.

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

Approximately 125 airlift sorties were flown, more than 300 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 2,700 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 28,500 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 Nov. 27, Air Force and coalition aerial refueling crews flew 49 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 280 receiving aircraft.

(Report from a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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