Another Plane Hit By A Missile?

The AP is reporting that a C-17 appears to have taken "a direct hit" on one of it's engines during take-off from Baghdad International Airport. It is described as being "like the DHL" incident. The plane returned to the airport safely (although I'm sure the crew was lass than thrilled).

If they keep hitting these aircraft with shoulder fired missiles, which have a limited range, and we know the direction in which the aircraft will be departing, why don't we send more patrols out under the flight path to try to effectively seal it off from these terrorists? Don't get me wrong, I'm not accusing anyone of misdeeds, I'm just wondering if beefing up the presence under the flight path (and to either side for a certain distance) might not help the situation. Of course, it still wouldn't stop the suicidal nutcase, but it might improve things some....