On Thursday, United States dropped the largest non-nuclear bomb in Afghanistan. This is the first time the bomb was deployed in combat. The bomb was aimed at the Islamic State camps in the Country.
The Pentagon said that President Trump called this mission ‘very, very successful.’ The bomb, also known as Mother of All Bombs (MOAB,) was dropped by a MC-130 plane, which is used for transport. The military immediately provided details on the strike and said the bomb was the ‘right munition’ to lessen ISIS obstacles.
The bomb hit a ‘tunnel complex’ in Anchin of Nangarhar province. Air Force spokesman Colonel Pat Ryder said, “The GBU-43/B is the largest non-nuclear bomb ever deployed in combat.” The strike was scheduled at 7:32 P.M. The US Forces Afghanistan head, General John Nicholson said that it helps in maintaining the momentum against IS in the region. Referring to regional affiliates of IS, he said, “As ISIS-K’s losses have mounted, they are using IEDs, bunkers, and tunnels to thicken their defense.”
The IS has had a prowling expanse in Afghanistan. But with the pressure from US Military and ground attacks of Afghan forces, the sprawl has been shrinking. Also, the strength of IS has fallen from 3000 to 600-800 from 2016.
The Air Force also said that the MOAB was tested once in 2003. It formed a mushroom cloud that was seen from 20 miles. They expect that this will deliver to IS the required warning and control their numbers in not only Afghanistan but also Iraq and Syria.
