BISHKEK. April 19 (Interfax-AVN) - U.S. Air Force F-18 Hornet fighter planes are expected to begin combat missions from Bishkek's Manas international airport on Saturday to provide support for the anti-terrorist operation in Afghanistan, commander of the collective forces Brigadier General Wayne Lloyd told reporters.
The U.S. base in the airport is hosting 1,200 servicemen from 11 countries of the anti-terrorist coalition, Lloyd told Interfax. 200 U.S. experts arrived in Bishkek together with the fighters, and the base is 75 percent ready for operation, he said.
According to the commander, USD20m has been spent on accommodation and everyday activities of the base.