The Air Force just activated the 438th Air Expeditionary Group in January, but the unit, which flies out of Al Asad AB, Iraq, has already flown 800 combat sorties with its A-10 Warthogs alone, reports Capt. Ken Hall and MSgt. Bryan Ripple. The 438th AEG, which is part of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing based at Balad AB, Iraq, comprises A-10 and F-16 strike aircraft, plus C-130 airlifters, HH-60 combat search and rescue helicopters, and Predator unmanned aerial vehicles. USAF reactivated the unit to provide additional close air support for ground forces.
U.S. Southern Command recently announced its first lethal strike on a suspected narco-trafficking vessel in two months, and the first under a newly formed permanent counter-cartel task force. The U.S. is also reportedly planning to transfer MQ-9 drones to Colombia to bolster its counter-cartel efforts.