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Air strikes Afghanistan and Iraq

Sherman McCoy | 22.06.2007 12:30 | Terror War | Sheffield

Below are detailed air strikes being called in by forward air controllers (JTACs). Basically reconnaissance guys who identify targets.
Bombs used are mainly bunker busters (between 500-5000lb), so for example if you identify a potential roadside bomb you call in an air strike and leave a gaping crater in the road. Deconstruction and democracy Western style
If you are in Northampton why not pay bombmaker Texas Instruments a visit.

June 20 airpower summary: B-1B takes out targets

 http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2007/06/mil-070621-afpn01.htm

6/21/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops troops in Afghanistan during operations June 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force Boeing B-1B Lancer released guided bomb unit-31s and 38s on anti-coalition firing positions near Shkin. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller called all bombs good hits.

 http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/gbu-38.htm

In Sangin, Navy F/A-18 Hornets fired 20mm cannon rounds on several insurgents leaving a compound. Because of collateral damage considerations, the JTAC requested a strafe run on the tree line. The JTAC confirmed the rounds hit the intended targets.

F/A-18 Hornets in Garmsir provided multiple shows of force after reports of suspicious activity in the area. Another F/A-18 conducted a show of force, expending flares, and then conducted armed watch over insurgent position. A JTAC confirmed the aircraft activity as successful.

In Baramcha, a Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier provided a show of force over suspicious vehicles at the request of a JTAC relaying the ground commander's intent to raise enemy communications. A JTAC considered the show of force successful.

In total, 53 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

In Iraq, F-16 Fighting Falcons employed GBU-38s on improvised explosive devices embedded near a road side as part of Operation Arrowhead Ripper in Baquba. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported secondary explosions.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II also participating in the operation released a GBU-12 against a possible IED location . The results of the strike couldn't be verified since secondary explosions did not occur.

An F-16 dropped a GBU-38 and GBU 12 (Paveway 2) on insurgent safe houses and a vehicle during the operation. Weapons system video and a JTAC on the ground confirmed the strikes as direct hits.

Additionally, F/A-18s, launched from an aircraft carrier, and F-16s performed shows of force, expending flares to protect coalition forces from enemy actions. JTACS confirmed the shows of force were successful and no casualties were reported.

Airpower for the operation was sustained through air refueling provided by KC-10 Extenders and KC-135 Stratotankers.

In Baghdad, F-/A-18s dropped GBU-38s on a road to isolate IED emplacements. Video confirmed the weapons detonated on the intended target and the fighter returned to its carrier. An RAF GR4 conducted armed overwatch for troops in contact with the enemy around the same area.

Also in Baghdad, F-16s provided armed overwatch to support a coalition road block and the pilots searched for enemy activity. An F-16 in the area provided a show of force to deter mortar attacks on local population. Residents reported feeling more secure afterwards.

A-10s in Muqdadiyah fired Maverick missiles on enemy vehicles suspected to be transporting weapons. A targeting pod on an A-10 recorded the strike and confirmed the vehicles were destroyed. An F/A-18 conducted a show of force as insurgents near the target began firing at coalition forces. The result of the show of force is unknown

F/A-18As provided shows of force with flares to disperse insurgents gathered near a building struck by coalition weapons. An F-16 conducted armed overwatch for a coalition convoy near the area.

Fighting Falcons tracked a suspicious vehicle and people around a garage in Mahmudiyah.

In Bayji, an F-16 conducted overwatch for friendly sniper operations and searched for insurgents suspected of firing on coalition forces.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 68 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Anyone in the Northampton area could pay Texas Instruments a visit as they are chief contractor for the GBU-12 Paveway 2 Bunker Buster

 http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/gbu-12.htm

SC Design Center and SC, S&C, ET, Digital Imaging Sales
Texas Instruments Limited
800 Pavilion Drive
Northampton Business Drive
Northampton NN4 7YL
United Kingdom

Sherman McCoy