US Central Command on July 19 disclosed that an Air Force F-16, flying a nontraditional ISR mission in support of ground forces in Iraq, attacked an killed an insurgent planting a roadside bomb near Baquba, Iraq. The F-16, which was in action on July 18, identified three possible IED plants on the ground and passed the information to ground forces, which verified the target and called on the F-16 to engage. It strafed the location, killing one of the insurgents. Such kills are becoming more common in the theater, say USAF officials.
In a rare letter to the entire force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach is telling Airmen to stay ready to support Operation Epic Fury, the massive U.S. operation against Iran.