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| Afghanistan |
| B-52 bombs attackers of US base in Afghanistan |
| 2003-07-24 |
| A B-52 heavy bomber targeted "enemy fighters" after a rocket attack on a US base in northeast Afghanistan, a US military spokesman said on Thursday. Two rockets were fired at Asadabad fire base in Kunar province 180 km northeast of Kabul on Wednesday but caused no casualties or damage, Colonel Rodney Davis told reporters at a Kabul military compound. "Mortars were fired at the suspected point of origin and close air support requested. A B-52 responded first, then two AV-8 harriers. The B-52 dropped a joint direct attack munitions bomb and the harriers dropped one 450-kg laser-guided bomb on enemy fighters observed at the suspected location," Davis said. It was not known if there were any casualties from the bombing and Davis said a "battle damage assessment" of the bombsite would be carried out on Thursday. Bring tweezers and a zip lock bag. |
| Posted by:Steve |
| #5 It seems that Gulf II did not fully incorporate afghan lessons, but then those high-speed drive-by probes set their own new standard. I know an old SAC pilot whose has a son that now flies a BUFF (b52) that is older than he is. He says that it is not the best place to spend a workday. There seems to be a (post afghan) report circulating that states that a properly armed BUFF wing with minimal Fighter support could have done a better job in the IRAQ âNo Fly Zonesâ at a fraction of the cost. B52 and close air support should be some sort of oxymoron but I guess it is not! |
| Posted by: Red 2003-7-24 5:49:46 PM |
| #4 I was suprised by the rapid response of the B-52 myself, but your comment makes sense, Red. I recall a paper a looooong while ago (+15 years), called "An embarassment of riches", which advocated re-arming B-52s with Tomahawks or flechette dispersing bombs. Old idea, old tactics, updated with new technology for a new mission. *thumbs up* Good job, and good comment! |
| Posted by: Ptah 2003-7-24 3:43:37 PM |
| #3 > B-52? Sounds like a message to future mortar/rocket attackers. No, I think it is the new paradigm. I just talked to my nieceâs husband (just back with a broken foot) and he said they are flying the B-52 in cold-war era mode loaded with JDAMs. The âbootsâ on the ground can call for support with a GPS number and these old birds (sitting high and safe) can respond. If you look at any photo footage coming out of there you can see big circular âcon trailsâ in the sky. An old bird with dumb bombs (but smart tail fins) giving the boots on the ground precision air support â¦.now that is a Tax dollar that was well spent! |
| Posted by: Red 2003-7-24 12:25:19 PM |
| #2 B-52? Sounds like a message to future mortar/rocket attackers. |
| Posted by: Frank G 2003-7-24 10:51:59 AM |
| #1 ...nice comment.... coffee on the keyboard again. |
| Posted by: Anonymous 2003-7-24 10:35:20 AM |