F-15E destroys enemy weapons cache

An F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft returns to the fight after receiving fuel from a KC-135R Stratotanker during a mission over Afghanistan. The F-15E provides close-air support and armed aerial overwatch to deter enemy activities. (AF photo/MSgt. Andy Dunaway)

---

In Afghanistan, an AF F-15E Strike Eagle destroyed an anti-Afghan forces weapons cache near Shurakian, using a guided bomb unit-31. The Strike Eagle performed a show of force prior to the strike to warn civilians to clear the area, ensuring they were well outside safe distances before releasing the weapon. In the vicinity of Tarin Kowt, AF B-1B Lancers and F-15Es carried out airstrikes to relieve a coalition convoy under heavy enemy fire following an IED attack that had disabled a vehicle. The jets used GBU-38 and GBU-31s to hit anti-Afghan personnel shooting at the convoy as well as enemy spotters in the surrounding hills. The aircraft employed precision fire tactics to pinpoint enemy positions, and avoid causing unnecessary damage to nearby civilian structures. Near Orgun, F-15Es interdicted a group of enemy personnel who had crossed Afghanistan's mountainous border to attack friendly patrols. The jets hit the enemy group using GBU-38s and a strafing pass, ending their attempt to flee back across the border. A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided additional shows of force in the area to discourage further enemy activity. An F-15E and a coalition aircraft conducted shows of force to deter enemy activity in Ghazni and Sangin respectively. The maneuvers helped ensure coalition convoys reached their destinations safely as they delivered reconstruction and food supplies to the region. Joint Terminal Attack Controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of each mission. In total, 61 close air support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan SF, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Sixteen AF surveillance and recon aircraft flew missions as part of ops in Afghanistan.

---