[Tallguy]

There may have been a Hellfire, but I believe, due to the low angle of attack, three missiles (one struck a nearby field), size of the primary explosion, this was likely cruise missiles.

That's a pretty good guess. The Predator only carries 2 Hellfires, max. So either there was more than 1 Predator tasked (doubtful), there was a fast-mover in the area (probably not), or the Predator was just doing BDA after spotting the get-together (likely).

Wonder what the turnaround time would be on a cruise missile strike?

[gandalftb]

Our best platform for cruise missiles is our Navy in the Indian Ocean. You're right, Predators carry only two and only one Predator was reported overhead.

We haven't done a three missile strike in a very long time, Zawahiri only rated two Hellfires last year.

I think we were taking no chances. RUMINT is buttoned up tight all over so I will check again in a few hours and repost.

BTW, 13 Afghans reported wounded in a dorm next to the madrassa, most of the windows broken for over a km. around.

Later.

[DugwayDuke]

The Predator B carries more than two Hellfires.

[Stonewall Jackson]

MQ-9 Reaper preparing to take off in Afghanistan

The MQ-9 Reaper, formerly known as the Predator-B, can carry four Hellfire missiles and two 500-lb bombs.

While they are not "officially" in combat yet, they have been field testing in Afghanistan and Iraq since last fall, which has included several missile strikes on hostile targets.