A-10 Afghanistan Combat Summary for April 2009

by Joachim Jacob

From the "Airpower Summaries", released on USAF's public main website, for April 2009 I extracted and edited all available info related to A-10 Thunderbolt II combat missions in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom). The mostly daily airpower summaries for OEF and OIF are provided by Combined Air and Space Operations Center (CAOC) officials at Al Udeid AB, Qatar. According to the sources, all of the listed missions were confirmed successful by on-scene joint terminal attack controllers (JTACs).

Apr 1: Near Bagram, an A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force and expended flares near a coalition observation post. The maneuver provided a deterrent to anti-Afghan force activity and added a measure of safety for coalition troops and local residents.

Apr 2: During a second engagement taking place in the area around Kajaki Dam, F-15E Strike Eagles and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped GBU-38s and performed strafes, targeting enemy personnel with RPGs and automatic weapons. The A-10 destroyed an enemy lookout tower with one of its bombs as an F-15E hit a gunman hiding behind the berm of a small irrigation water pool. Coalition ground forces followed up the airstrikes with a ground attack.

Apr 3: Near Qarah Bagh, an A-10 Thunderbolt II flew a show of force to suppress enemy mortar fire against a coalition outpost. The aircraft passed over the enemy mortar position, expending flares, prompting enemy forces to end their indirect fire attack.

A pair of A-10s performed a show of force to deter enemy aggression in the Sheykhabad region in response to enemy gunfire against a coalition convoy. The maneuver succeeded in ending the firefight so the convoy could continue on its mission.

A coalition aircraft and an A-10 executed shows of force near Lashkar Gah and Nangalam to prevent enemy activity in those locations. The aircraft supported coalition ground forces carrying out security and reconstruction efforts.

Apr 4: A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted shows of force and expended flares to keep enemy gunmen pinned down while coalition ground troops moved in to take their positions. The A-10s also directly engaged enemy forces in a nearby tree line, putting 30mm cannon rounds onto anti-Afghan fighting holes. The A-10s used smoke rounds to mark the positions ensuring positive identification of each target.

In the vicinity of Nangalam, A-10s rolled in after enemy forces engaged a coalition convoy, hunting anti-Afghan heavy machine gun positions with GBU-38s, general-purpose 500-pound bombs, and 30mm cannon rounds.

After destroying several enemy guns and another fighting position, an A-10 flew a show of force and expended flares to deter enemy fighters trying to attack the perimeter of a coalition forward base. F-15Es followed up with additional shows of force, preventing a potential enemy counterattack.

Apr 5: No A-10 info

Apr 6: Near Bagram, an A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force after a convoy vehicle got hit by an improvised explosive device. The maneuver deterred enemy attack while the convoy transferred equipment and personnel to other vehicles, allowing the convoy to safely continue their mission. Another A-10 also performed a show of force in the area to disperse a group of suspicious individuals.

Apr 7: An A-10 Thunderbolt II and an F-15E Strike Eagle destroyed multiple anti-Afghan heavy machine gun positions and a cave complex near Nangalam using guided bomb unit-38s and -31s. The F-15E followed up with a show of force after the engagement to deter enemy action as a coalition ground assault concluded the fight.

Apr 8: Near Kabul, an A-10 Thunderbolt II targeted enemy personnel in a field with a 30mm cannon strafing pass, then exploded the weapons cache they were guarding using a GBU-38. The enemy fighters had used mortar fire and fired their assault rifles at coalition ground forces prompting the jet to engage.

Apr 9: A flight of A-10 Thunderbolt IIs carried out strafing runs against anti-Afghan forces shooting at a coalition patrol from a creek bed outside of Nangalam. The aircraft made repeated passes against the enemy positions during the engagement.

A-10s used GBU-38s to target a heavily booby trapped building in Kabul which was rigged with explosives by anti-Afghan forces. The strike destroyed the building, which contained an enemy weapons cache.

Apr 10: F-15E Strike Eagles flying overwatch for a dismounted coalition patrol hit an enemy cave complex with guided bomb unit-31s. The strikes, which collapsed the cave entrances on top of anti-Afghan fighting positions inside, were conducted in response to gunfire coming from the position. An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II also executed a show of force and launched flares during the engagement to suppress sniper fire coming from a nearby location.

Near Nangalam, an A-10 providing aerial cover to a coalition ground unit used smoke rounds to mark an enemy position during a brief firefight. Enemy forces ceased fire and retreated after their position was marked. A short time later, an F-15E hit the enemy group with a GBU-31 while they were trying to escape through the mountains.

An A-10 conducted a show of force and launched flares near Bagram to deter enemy activity near a coalition forward base. Coalition sentries had detected enemy personnel outside the perimeter readying for an attack.

Apr 11: A-10 Thunderbolt IIs over Asmar used general-purpose 500-pound bombs and numerous strafing passes to take out multiple anti-Afghan forces RPG and automatic weapons positions and bunkers. The A-10s marked their targets with smoke to aid in visual identification and coordination of the strikes with friendly ground troops.

An A-10 executed a show of force and launched flares over Gardez to stop enemy mortar and assault rifle fire against a coalition force. Enemy fire ceased after the aircraft's appearance.

Apr 12: Near Nangalam, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs bombed a ridgeline with general purpose 500-pound bombs after enemy forces fired on a coalition convoy from that location. When enemy fire continued, the A-10 marked hostile positions with smoke and carried out strafing passes. After several runs, enemy fire dropped off and the convoy moved on to its destination. An additional flight of A-10s strafed other enemy positions later in the day when a second firefight began in that area.

In the Orgun area, an A-10 strafed multiple enemy-rocket positions after a coalition observation post detected anti-Afghan forces setting up for an attack. The observation post coordinated with the aircraft during each pass, ensuring controlled and accurate targeting.

Near Sheykhabad, A-10s flew several shows of force and expended flares to deter enemy forces. Enemy gunmen had fired on a coalition convoy but fled the area after the aircraft appeared.

In Konduz, Air Force F-15Es and an A-10 performed shows of force when an Afghan National Army unit began taking hostile fire. The maneuvers suppressed enemy gunfire, allowing ANA troops to neutralize the enemy position.

Apr 13: No A-10 info

Apr 14: An A-10 Thunderbolt II flew shows of force in the Konduz area. The aircraft performed the maneuver to suppress hostile fire coming from the area around a coalition forward base.

Apr 15: An A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped guided bomb unit-38s on several anti-Afghan force fighting positions after troops at a coalition forward base requested air support. The targets included enemy personnel gathering for an imminent attack against the base.

Apr 16: An F-15E and an A-10 Thunderbolt II flying over Bagram performed shows of force during several ground operations taking place there. The F-15E maneuvered and launched flares to suppress enemy forces as a coalition quick-reaction force responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle. It then flew another show of force to deter attacks against a coalition helicopter operation. The A-10 performed a fly-by and launched flares while providing overwatch for a friendly ground convoy in order to discourage enemy attacks.

Apr 17: No A-10 info

Apr 18: F-15E Strike Eagles and an A-10 Thunderbolt II near Nangalam hit an enemy cave and several heavy machinegun emplacements using guided bomb unit-31s and -38s as well as a general purpose 500-pound bomb. The strikes were coordinated between Air Force units and an Army Apache attack helicopter unit that had received fire from the area.

An A-10 targeted several armed enemy personnel using general purpose 500-pound bombs outside a coalition forward base near Asmar. Base defenders were being engaged by enemy fire until the fighter ended the attack.

Apr 19: No A-10 info

Apr 20: In Lashkar Gah, a pair of A-10 Thunderbolt IIs engaged an enemy truck armed with an anti-aircraft machine gun. The A-10s used their 30mm cannons to destroy the truck and the machine gun. Also in the area, a Navy F/A-18C Hornet flew a show of force and launched flares to deter enemy suicide bombers after a source warned coalition forces of enemy preparations.

An F-15E and an A-10 flew shows of force to deter enemy actions during two operations in the Kabul area. The F-15E performed its maneuver after a coalition air-assault unit began taking small-arms fire. The A-10 executed a show of force just outside a coalition forward base that had been engaged by enemy gunmen. Anti-Afghan personnel ceased fire and withdrew after the shows of force.

A-10s conducted shows of force and launched flares to deter enemy aggression near coalition forward bases near Bagram and Asadabad. The additional air presence served to discouraged hostile actions and prevented enemy forces from interfering with local security operations.

Apr 21: An A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted a show of force after a coalition unit began taking fire near Bagram. The jet also provided tactical reconnaissance for friendly soldiers after they disengaged from the firefight.

Near Monari, an A-10 carried out a show of force to prevent enemy hostilities during a convoy operation. The A-10 escorted the convoy safely along its route, providing aerial overwatch.

Apr 22: An A-10 Thunderbolt II strafed an anti-Afghan motorcycle with its cannon. The aircraft carried out the strafing run after enemy personnel were spotted leaving a mortar site they had used to shell a coalition base.

In the vicinity of Sheykhabad, A-10s flew shows of force over an Afghan National Army convoy after the convoy started taking enemy fire. The aircraft, which also expended flares during their pass, dispersed enemy personnel and ended the attack on the convoy.

Apr 23: A-10 Thunderbolt IIs operating near Nangalam engaged an anti-Afghan ground force using strafing runs and general purpose 500-pound bombs. Enemy personnel had been gathering for an attack against a coalition forward base and failed to heed a show of force from the aircraft, prompting the jets to fire. The A-10s marked their targets with smoke rounds prior to expending live rounds to ensure the enemy-fighting positions were properly identified and confirmed by ground observers.

In Moqor, A-10s received initial clearance to engage enemy motorcycles in the area of a friendly convoy operation. However, due to concern for civilian residents and buildings in the area, the convoy commander opted to instead have the aircraft fire a warning shot using a smoke round and conduct a show of force. The actions caused the motorcycle riders to drive off without any further escalation.

A-10s executed shows of force when a coalition convoy travelling through Nurestan took sporadic shots from enemy forces hiding amongst civilian homes. The shows of force caused the enemy to stop firing, but avoided the enemy's apparent attempt to draw fire down to endanger local residents. The convoy successfully completed its mission supporting Afghan reconstruction.

Near Bagram, an F-15E and an A-10 flew shows of force during combined operations with Afghan National Army and coalition forces when friendly convoys encountered enemy IEDs. The aircraft's presence deterred additional anti-Afghan forces aggression while emergency ordinance disposal technicians cleared additional explosives from the roadways.

Apr 24: An A-10 Thunderbolt II and F-15E Strike Eagle used a guided bomb unit-38, general purpose 500-pound bombs, and strafing attacks to target an anti-Afghan forces building and enemy personnel in the area. Enemy gunmen had attacked a friendly convoy with rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons leading up to the strikes.

Near Sheykhabad, an A-10 performed a show of force, launched flares and conducted overwatch as a coalition patrol recovered a vehicle which became stuck. The convoy had been taking gunfire and RPG shots until the jet arrived and suppressed further enemy action. The A-10 also flew a show of force near a coalition observation post in the area when sentries detected additional enemy personnel.

A B-1B and an A-10 also carried out shows of force near Gereshk and Moqor to deter enemy activity during Afghan and coalition operations in those areas.

Apr 25: An A-10 Thunderbolt II strafed an enemy truck carrying a twin-barreled anti-aircraft gun using its 30mm cannon. The vehicle and the anti-aircraft gun were destroyed.

Apr 26: A-10 Thunderbolt IIs flew shows of force over Bagram as Afghan National Army and coalition dismounted patrols conducted a security operation. The shows of force served to deter enemy activity and provide a higher level of security presence for the area.

An A-10 flew a show of force near Sheykhabad to allow a friendly convoy to regroup after a vehicle was disabled by an improvised explosive device. The maneuver deterred enemy aggression and allowed the convoy to recover and proceed with its mission.

Apr 27: An A-10 Thunderbolt II flew a show of force and launched flares over Moqor after a coalition convoy started taking fire. Although the shooting stopped upon the jet's arrival, the convoy leader requested a show of force as an additional measure of deterrence against enemy attack.

Apr 28: A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed multiple strafing runs to hit anti-Afghan gunmen attacking a coalition forward base. The enemy attack failed after the aircraft's 30mm cannons inflicted heavy casualties among the advancing shooters.

A-10s flew shows of force over a village near Bagram to preempt enemy attack during dismounted Afghan National Army and coalition patrols. The settlement being patrolled was empty of local residents prior to the patrol's arrival, leading to the ground commander being highly wary of enemy activity.

Apr 29: F-15E Strike Eagles flying over Worzhanah Kalay used GBU-38s to bomb a concealed enemy mortar team. The ground commander of a reconstruction supply convoy called in the strike after the team was spotted by security personnel. A coalition aircraft also flew a show of force over the site of an earlier engagement to deter further hostilities. Later, in the same area, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and F-15Es used several guided bombs and strafes to protect the convoy as additional enemy forces tried to attack. The aircraft hit enemy observation posts and firing positions. When enemy forces disabled a convoy vehicle with an IED, an F-15E flew a show of force to provide additional security as soldiers transferred personnel and equipment to another vehicle.

In the Tirgari area, an A-10 conducted shows of force after an Afghan National Army and coalition convoy returning to base observed enemy gunmen. The aircraft remained overhead providing additional security until the convoy safely reached its destination.

Near Nangalam, an A-10 carried out a show of force to deter enemy aggression near a coalition forward base. The presence of airpower limited enemy action and ensured added security for area residents.

Apr 30: In the hills outside Jalalabad, an A-10 Thunderbolt II carried out a show of force and expended flares to deter a group of suspected anti-Afghan personnel. The individuals were spotted near a position that had been the source of small arms fire against a coalition unit. Enemy fire had ceased just prior to the aircraft's arrival.

An A-10 flew a show of force and expended flares outside Khowst in advance of an Afghan national army and coalition clearing operation. The maneuver caused enemy personnel to try to escape, revealing their position to the advancing ground force.

Near Kabul, another A-10 carried out shows of force, expending flares, in order to deter enemy attack against a coalition observation post. The aircraft's presence increased security in the area, preventing enemy forces from instigating violence.

F-15Es and A-10s performed similar missions in Asmar and Orgun, covering the movement of supply convoys and flying shows of force to prevent anti-Afghan force activity.

See also:
A-10 Afghanistan Combat Summary for March 2009
A-10 Afghanistan Combat Summary for February 2009
A-10 Afghanistan Combat Summary for January 2009
A-10 Afghanistan Combat Summary for December 2008
A-10 Afghanistan Combat Summary for November 2008
A-10 Afghanistan Combat Summary for October 2008