B-1B targets insurgents

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123053264

5/14/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped multiple guided bomb unit-31s on insurgent compounds near Kajaki Sofia. The aircrew dropped GBU-38s on other enemy targets as well. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the drops were a success. The B-1 also performed a show of presence on a coalition route in the area.

U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets dropped GBU-12s and fired 20mm cannon rounds at enemy vehicles and a sniper near Tarin Kowt. The hits were confirmed successful.

Near Now Zad, Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets dropped GBU-12s on enemies in the area including a sniper. The JTAC confirmed the bombs hit their targets.

[FightingIrish]

1. Winning the hearts and minds of the occupied

with strategic bombers and tactical attack aircraft. We might as well be using ICBMs

[KansDem]

2. Isn't this kind of like going after mosquitoes with a shotgun? (nt)

[TahitiNut]

3. Yep. An occupying force using such weaponry is committing a crime against humanity, imho.

There is no way that such overwhelmingly asymmetric force doesn't kill innocents. It makes the murder of women and children by ground patrols dwarf in comparison.

[Solo_in_MD]

4. The big ones (GBU-31/GPS guided/2Ks) were used on a tactical compound

the small ones (GBU-12/LGB/.5K) were targeted with lasers. Reasonable choices to minimize collateral damage. *IF* the report is accurate, there should not have been bystanders in the first attack and the second strikes are about as precise as it gets.

While its not sporting to use a LGB to takeout a sniper, its not exactly Cricket match over there.

[Rex]

5. I'm always surprised at the show of restraint used.

We have thousands of A-10s not to mention all our attack helicopters. We could shell everyone from the carrier groups in the gulf. I guess they figured it out. Bombs cost more.

[Solo_in_MD]

6. I am always surprised at the show of cluelessness by some here

Less than 300 A-10 operational in all parts of the USAF at all stations (http://www.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=70). Its immposible to shell what is effectively a land locked county