Various units engaged Forming_relationships in fiercely fought actions during the operation , usually supported by a mixture of artillery , air and helicopter gunship support , sometimes including B52 strategic bombers .

Two NATO Apache helicopters an AC-130 gunship and two F-15E Eagle fighter jets entered Arriving by varying estimates as little as 200 meters ( 660 ft ) to up to 2.5 kilometres ( 1.6 miles ) , into the Pakistani border area of Salala ( in the Baizai subdivision of Mohmand Agency , FATA ) at 2 a.m. local time .

also an air force bell 212 helicopter gunship that was sent Sending to the base to provide help crashed Catastrophe near the base during the clashes killing four crew members .