Free Headline Alerts     
Worldwide Web WorldTribune.com
Front Cover
Daily Brief
  • Obama opts for engagement over Iran opposition as unrest grows
  • Turkey's tilt toward Iran and Syria causing Israel to reassess ties
    • Recent Hits
    Real Times News
    Opportunities
    Take a Stand
    Letters
    Archives
    Blog Line
    World Links
    Population Clock
    Cartoon
    Greatest Hits
    Gertz File
    Advertising Info
    Editorial Board
    Advisory Board
    Contact Info
    What Rush Said
  • Spy agency: Cyber attacks traced to N. Korea’s telecommunications ministry
  • China said to use service agency to conduct intelligence against embassies

    •   breaking... 


    Friday, May 23, 2008

    Iraq air force sorties up 80 percent over '07

    BAGHDAD — The Iraq Air Force is steadily intensifying operations in 2008, U.S. officials said.

    The officials said the air force, with 100 pilots, has conducted more than 5,000 sorties this year. They said the amount marked an 80 percent increase over 2007, when the air force flew 7,663 sorties.

    "We are now seeing concrete evidence that [the Iraq Air Force] have returned to the [sky] and are proving themselves a credible force for safety, security and sovereignty," Col. David Penny, the 370th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group commander, said.

    "The Iraqis' sortie production rate is already 80 percent higher than it was last year. That's auspicious for any nation's air force."

    Also In This Edition

    NORTHEAST ASIA:

    South Korean growth at seven-year high

    Mideast / S. Asia:

    Israel: commandos seize Hizbullah-bound arms ship

    AFRICA/EUROPE:

    Nigeria signs $875 million railway deal with China

    The air force played a major role in the Iraqi military and police operation in Basra in late March, Middle East Newsline reported. Officials said the air force, with eight rotary and fixed-wing flying units, also conducted reconnaissance and other missions during operations in Mosul and Baghdad's Sadr City in May.

    The most active Iraq Air Force unit has been that of the CH-2000 light reconnaissance aircraft. The air force unit in Basra conducted more than 518 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions and 700 training sorties.

    "This year, they have taken the reins in operations," Penny said. "They're working very hard, and their efforts are working to dissolve terrorist cells in Iraq."

    Officials expect the air force to significantly expand in 2008. They said more than 200 cadets were studying in the Air Force Training College at Taji Air Base.

    About Us     l    Contact Us     l    Geostrategy-Direct.com     l    East-Asia-Intel.com
    Copyright © 2008    East West Services, Inc.    All rights reserved.