A B-1B Lancer from the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron pulls alongside a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, after receiving fuel over Afghanistan. Two B-1Bs hit reported al-Qaida safe havens Jan. 10 in Arab Jabour, Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Angelique Perez) FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq (AFPN) -- More than 40 targets were hit after precision air strikes destroyed reported al-Qaida safe havens Jan. 10 in Arab Jabour, Iraq.
The precision air strikes supported Operation Phantom Phoenix, the overarching operation that includes Operation Marne Thunderbolt.
Thirty-eight bombs were dropped within the first 10 minutes, with a total tonnage of 40,000 pounds.
A joint operation between the Air Force and Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division required extensive planning to prevent collateral damage and to deny the use of the area for attacks into Baghdad and against coalition forces.
Two B-1B Lancers and four F-16 Fighting Falcons directed bombs at three large target areas. Each bomber made two passes and the F-16s followed to complete the set.
Coordination between the Army and Air Force was essential in making the operation a success.
Operation Marne Thunderbolt is an ongoing operation aimed at flushing out remaining al-Qaida extremists operating in the southern Arab Jabour area, and to create conditions for improved security.
Soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division will join Iraqi security forces and concerned local citizens to continue these offensive operations to keep pressure on the enemy.