We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
THE US MILITARY’S largest non-nuclear bomb killed at least 36 militants as it decimated a deep tunnel complex of the Islamic State group, Afghan officials say, ruling out any civilian casualties.
The GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb – better known as the “Mother Of All Bombs” – hit IS hideouts in Achin district in eastern Nangarhar province yesterday.
“As a result of the bombing, key Daesh (IS) hideouts and deep tunnel complex were destroyed and 36 IS fighters were killed,” the defence ministry said in a statement.
US President Donald Trump had earlier called the mission “very, very successful”.
The Afghan presidential palace said precautions were taken to avoid civilian casualties.
The huge bomb, delivered via an MC-130 transport plane, has a blast yield equivalent to 11 tons of TNT, and the weapon was originally designed as much to intimidate foes as to clear broad areas.
“The GBU-43/B is the largest non-nuclear bomb ever deployed in combat,” Air Force spokesman Colonel Pat Ryder said.
Towering
Achin district governor Esmail Shinwari said the bomb landed in the Momand Dara area of Achin district.
“The explosion was the biggest I have ever seen. Towering flames engulfed the area,” Shinwari told AFP.
“We don’t know anything about the casualties so far, but since it is a Daesh (IS) stronghold we think a lot of Daesh fighters may have been killed.”
Nangarhar, which borders Pakistan, is a hotbed of IS militancy. US forces have conducted a number of air strikes on jihadist bases in the area since August last year.
IS, notorious for its reign of terror in Syria and Iraq, has been making inroads into Afghanistan in recent years. It has attracted disaffected members of the Pakistani and Afghan Taliban as well as Uzbek Islamists.
But the group has been steadily losing territory in the face of heavy pressure both from US air strikes and a ground offensive led by Afghan forces.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Brilliant show. He highlights some genuinely big issues that other networks shy away from.
I so want to be a traffic safety zebra…..
Bit late with this, Journal. Last weeks news.
@Negan: Last Week’s News Tonight
Oliver is brilliantly a new bread of comidians that make the best political commentators. I guess that only works when our politician’s are a joke.
@Cathal Leonard: Mmm comidian bread
@Daniel Wilson: ok he’s a bagel
Love John Oliver.
John Oliver is annoying and his show isnt funny but he makes good points and he tends to make interesting points
@Elle Belle: it’s a live studio audience
@Elle Belle: Is it because he pro choice and that hurts your fweelings ?
@Elle Belle: that’s not what a laugh track is.
The new name of the Internet is to be “Trumpnet”
An accent like a dentist’s drill.
@Jack Cassady: i like the dentist drill ! :)
Ajit is an unfortunate name. Try saying it with an Irish accent…..
have your say