I've seen it mentioned before, not only in NYT, I think it's quite certain, and it would make sense, they're used to support Special Forces. (Another detail...Doctors without borders repeatedly stated they give GPS coordinates to various forces.
Afaik AC-130 don't target coordinates, but instead use direction and distance to the enemy from friendly forces to visually acquire a target...this is considered less likely to cause civilian casualties than a fast jet high up)