Airmen Provide Key Support to Soldiers During Firefight

8/3/2006 - BAGHDAD, Iraq (AFPN) -- Air Force controllers teamed with Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers to successfully conclude a firefight in Mussayib, Iraq, on July 22 where 29 terrorists were killed. 

Air Force joint terminal attack controllers observed a number of men taking up positions in buildings surrounding a key traffic circle and reported it to Soldiers from MND-B's Company D of the 4th Infantry Division who were patrolling Musayyib to investigate reports of death squad activity in the area.

At the same time, an MND-B Apache helicopter crew reported a fuel truck moving toward the same company headed for the traffic circle. The aircrew suspected the truck might be carrying an improvised-explosive device.

Within minutes, the enemy made contact and a firefight ensued.

In the Battalion Tactical Operations Center, a JTAC Airman continued to maintain view of the developing situation and ensured attack and support aircraft were ready to respond.

The battle continued for nearly four hours. An on-scene JTAC Airman maintained contact with several aircraft flying over the town to ensure ground elements would have all available support.