Two bombs in one week, the United States has sent a very strong and clear message of deterrence and the world is starting to pay attention. The actions is also a warning that the age of leading from behind started by Barack Obama is over and that the Trump Administration is one of action, not appeasement or giving speeches.
On Thursday, the US in dramatic action dropped what it calls the “mother of all bombs” hitting a network of tunnels used by ISIS in eastern Afghanistan. The 21,600 pounds (9,797kg) GBU-43 bomb is the biggest, non-nuclear weapon which contains 11 tons of explosives. It is more than 30 feet (9m) long and carries a mile-wide blast radius.
The MOAB was first tested in March 2003 in Eglin Airforce Base in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. REUTERS
This is the first time the US has used this size of conventional bomb in any conflict. On Thursday evening, the GBU-43 bomb was used to obliterate jihadists caves and it was dropped in Achin district, Afghanistan.
According to Pentagon spokesperson, The GBU-43 also known as the “mother of all bombs” is a GPS-guided ammunition which was first tested in March 2003. This bomb is regarded as very effective against underground targets. Reports from correspondents in the area say many militants were killed and the explosion so powerful it was heard in two neighbouring districts.
President Trump holds a Press Conference on the what he termed a “successful mission” in Afghanistan on Thursday, 13 April, 2017. Credit: CNNN
President Trump described the bombing as a “very successful mission,” proving he is following through with one of his fundamental campaign promises and vow that he will “destroy ISIS”. It also shows he is praying attention to the military generals, something which was missing in the past 8 years under the Obama Administration.
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said, “We targeted a system of tunnels and caves that ISIS fighters use to move around freely, making it easier for them to target US military advisers and Afghan forces in the area.” He the stated that necessary precautions were taken to prevent “collateral damage” and civilian casualties.
The first test was carried out on March 2003 at Elgin Air Force Base in Florida. REUTERS/Department of Defence.
What To Know About The MOAB Bomb
- It’s called the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb or MOAB bomb
- Nicknamed the “mother of all bombs” because of its weight
- It is America’s most powerful non-nuclear bomb
- Weighs 21,600 lbs (9,797 kgs)
- It was dropped by an MC-130 aircraft operated by Air Force Special Operations Command
- It targeted an ISIS cave and tunnel complex and personnel in Eastern Afghanistan
The GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) bomb is pictured in this undated handout photo. Elgin Air Force Base/Handout via REUTERS
If the world wasn’t taking Trump seriously or paying attention when he first flexed his muscles by hitting a Syrian government airbase with a cruise missile, dropping this “mother of all bombs” right on top of ISIS caves and hideouts should leave no doubt on everyone that America is back and it will take the fight to you
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