An Iraqi-led assault to eliminate a militia force in Diwaniyah in southern Iraq entered its third day on April 8 and was achieving “great success,” according to Maj. Gen. Oothman Faroud, whose 8th Iraqi Army Division is leading Operation Black Eagle. The day before, Iraqi soldiers directed—for the first time—coalition fighter aircraft, in this case a USAF F-16, to conduct a strike against militia firing rocket-propelled grenades, reports Voice of America. The Viper destroyed the target.
The U.S. military is carrying out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions along the southern border and off the coast of Mexico using U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint and U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft as part of the Pentagon’s effort to secure the southern border at the direction of President…