Fighting From Above: The Air War On IS
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published November 03, 2016 | 09:20 PM
WASHINGTON, , (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 03rd Nov, 2016 ) - The Iraqi security forces' seemingly inexorable push toward Mosul saw fighting begin in the city itself this week, but it is work taking place in the skies above that has enabled such dramatic advances.
A relentless air operation using planes and drones from a dozen or so members of a US-led coalition against the Islamic State group has over more than two years conducted some 16,000 air strikes against the jihadists in Iraq and Syria -- two-thirds of them in Iraq.
Mostly, coalition planes conducted "deliberate" strikes, where they destroyed targets acquired through intelligence or surveillance. "Now, it's almost entirely dynamic strikes," a US military official told reporters during a recent visit to the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC), from where flights over Mosul and elsewhere are coordinated.
Dynamic strikes occur when ground units need air support on an unexpected target, such as an enemy fighting position or a car bomb being driven across the desert. "The operation in Mosul is the number one priority right now," another US military official said.
Consider air activities in and around Mosul for just one day. On Wednesday, coalition planes destroyed an IS headquarters building, five storage containers, two mortar systems, two fighting positions, a bomb-making factory, a supply cache, a sniper position, an observation post and a culvert.
The strikes also engaged two tactical units and damaged two tunnels, a bridge and a supply route, according to the coalition. Air support is given to Iraqi security forces and Kurdish fighters, but not Shiite militiamen, and the Iraqi military has its own planes.
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 28 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 28 April 2024
Fresh wave of rainfall in AJK continues for the second consecutive day
Babar, bowlers help Pakistan level series 2-2 against New Zealand
Attack in restive Chilean province leaves three police officers dead
PM, Saudi Royal court advisor discuss ways to boost economic ties
England clinch third successive Women's Six Nations Grand Slam
DC Bahawalnagar leads fight for fair bread prices
Sheffield Utd relegated from Premier League
02 proclaimed offenders arrested by Wah Police
Pakistan level T20I series with nine-run victory over New Zealand
Minister meets Chinese Consul General, discusses bilateral cooperation, Chinese ..
More Stories From World
-
Masood Khan hails Pakistani-American physicians role in upgrading Pakistan's healthcare system; also ..
10 minutes ago -
Brunson sets Knicks record with 47 to lead New York over 76ers
40 minutes ago -
Football: French Ligue 1 table
6 hours ago -
Inter continue Serie A title party as Bologna slip in Champions League bid
6 hours ago -
Paris Saint-Germain win Ligue 1 title after Monaco defeat
7 hours ago -
Man City see off Forest to close on Premier League leaders Arsenal
7 hours ago
-
Italian PM Meloni says will stand in EU elections
8 hours ago -
Masood Khan hails Pakistani-American physicians role in upgrading Pakistan's healthcare system; also ..
8 hours ago -
Celtic down Dundee to stay on course for Scottish Premiership crown
8 hours ago -
Ireland will act to send asylum seekers back to UK: PM
8 hours ago -
Kainz keeps Cologne's hope alive with late equaliser at Mainz
8 hours ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results - 1st update
9 hours ago