War-zone airstrikes up fivefold this year

[unhappycamper]

War-zone airstrikes up fivefold this year
By Jim Michaels - USA Today
Posted : Monday Oct 22, 2007 18:08:00 EDT

The U.S. military has increased airstrikes in Iraq fivefold this year, reflecting a steep escalation in combat operations aimed at al-Qaida and other militants. Coalition forces launched 1,140 airstrikes in the first nine months of this year, compared with 229 in all of last year, according to military statistics.

Airstrikes are up on Afghanistan, too. Coalition planes have made 2,764 bombing runs so far this year, up from 1,770 last year. The figures don’t include strikes by helicopter gunships.

The increasing use of air power also stems from improved accuracy and smaller munitions that allow commanders to launch airstrikes against insurgents who travel in small groups and sometimes hide among civilians.

In Iraq, the temporary increase of 30,000 American troops ordered by President Bush in January has led to the increase in bombing missions. The U.S. command has moved troops off large bases and into neighborhoods and has launched several large offensives aimed at al-Qaida.

“You end up having that many more opportunities for close-air support,” said Air Force Brig. Gen. Stephen Mueller, director of the Combined Air Operations Center in Doha, Qatar.

More precise targeting and smaller bombs have made it easier for the Air Force to support ground troops in counterinsurgencies, such as those in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2007/10/gns_airstrikes_071022/