Air Force News, news from Iraq - Air Force Times

Quick Links

Webtools

Click here for Military Times Webtools
http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/01/airforce_airstrikes_december_010609w/
news/2009/01/airforce_airstrikes_december_010609w

Afghanistan airstrikes fall for sixth month


By Bruce Rolfsen - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Jan 9, 2009 11:02:51 EST

For the sixth month in row, the number of bombs released over Afghanistan declined, figures from U.S. Air Forces Central showed.

During December, Air Force, Navy and coalition jets released 84 bombs, AFCent said. That’s down from 120 releases in November and the year high of 646 bombs in June.

Over Iraq during December, one bomb was dropped, the lowest tally since March 2005, when no bombs were released, according to AFCent.

Airstrikes in Afghanistan regularly decline in December as weather worsens and targets disappear: Insurgents often hide as snowfall makes it difficult to cross mountains. However, last month’s total was low even compared to previous Decembers. War planes dropped 321 bombs in December 2007 and 209 bombs in December 2006.

For all of 2008, fighters and bombers flew 19,603 close-air support sorties, about 1,200 sorties more than in 2007. But the planes dropped fewer bombs: 3,369, down from 3,572 the year before.

The tally of bomb releases does not include missiles fired, strafing runs and rounds shot by special operations gunships.



Contests and Promotions

CFC Info Center


Check out our in-depth guide to the Combined Federal Campaign.

Give The Gift Of Air Force Times


promo Holiday gift shopping has never been easier! An ideal gift for our men and women stationed overseas. Order your gift subscription here.

Marketplace

Military Times Gear Shop


COOLMAX  Extreme S S Shirt COOLMAX Extreme S S Shirt
This COOLMAX® short-sleeve shirt reduce skin temperature while offering excellent moisture management properties.

Price: $10.99

Military Discounts


Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.

Shoplocal

  Shop Local
Local Online Deals
Find the best deals at your local stores.