Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Wednesday (Oct 21) that it is getting ready to reveal a new weapon it referred to as the "Father of All Bombs". Without offering many details about the weapon, IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi said, “We are in the stage of preparing to unveil the 'Father of All Bombs'. This is something new for the enemy.” The announcement comes after reports that Washington has prepared plans to use a Massive Ordnance Air Blast, dubbed the "mother of all bombs", to hit military sites in Iran if ordered by US President Donald Trump. So, what is Iran's new weapon, and what devastation can it wreak? Here's all we know.<h2>Trump's 'Mother of All Bombs'</h2>On Friday, Trump hinted at the possible use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb, also known as the "mother of all bombs", to target Iranian nuclear facilities. Weighing around 9,800 kilograms (21,600 pounds), the GBU-43/B is one of the largest non-nuclear conventional bombs in the US arsenal. It was first used in April 2017, during Trump's first presidential term, against a tunnel complex belonging to the ISIS (Daesh) terrorist organisation in Afghanistan.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/100-victory-claims-200-days-of-war-is-trump-s-iran-gamble-turning-into-a-midterm-nightmare-us-midterms-2026-1790843647554">100 victory claims, 200+ days of war: Is Trump's Iran gamble turning into a midterm nightmare?</a><h2>Iran's ‘Father of All Bombs’</h2>While the IRGC has intentionally kept vague about the specifics of the new weapon, in 2017, the IRGC Aerospace Force had announced it had commissioned Iran’s Defense Industries to build an indigenous 10-tonne conventional bomb. At the time, they asserted it was heavier than the 9.8-tonne US MOAB, highly destructive, and designed to be launched from Ilyushin (Il-76) strategic transport airlifters. The 2026 announcement may be an upgraded, modernised, or official public unveiling of this project.<h2>Iran's shifting doctrine</h2>Mohebbi claimed that Iran's missile stockpile has increased by 1.5 times following the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June 2025, without providing specific figures. "The quality of the missiles has improved significantly, and their range, destructive power and accuracy in hitting targets have increased," he added.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-france-indonesia-and-beyond-protests-grip-the-world-as-anger-over-inflation-and-housing-boils-over-in-pics-1792578029692">India, France, Indonesia and beyond: Protests grip the world as anger over inflation and housing boils over | In pics</a>The IRGC spokesman said Iran is shifting its defense doctrine toward establishing permanent and absolute deterrence. "Previously, Iran's defense doctrine was purely defensive. We used to say that if a country attacked us, we would respond," Mohebbi said. "Now, we say that if a country attacks us, we will not only respond but also launch an offensive," he added.Mohebbi said Iran would respond to any assault with similar measures, stressing that the country's military doctrine would increasingly rely on asymmetric warfare. "Our doctrine will no longer be merely offensive; it will be asymmetric. We will attack the enemy in a way that makes them feel the intensity of our response," he said.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has revealed that it is preparing to unveil a new weapon referred to as the "Father of All Bombs," which it said was "something new for the enemy". Is it Iran's answer to Trump's " Mother of All Bombs"? Here's all we know.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Wednesday (Oct 21) that it is getting ready to reveal a new weapon it referred to as the "Father of All Bombs". Without offering many details about the weapon, IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi said, “We are in the stage of preparing to unveil the 'Father of All Bombs'. This is something new for the enemy.” The announcement comes after reports that Washington has prepared plans to use a Massive Ordnance Air Blast, dubbed the "mother of all bombs", to hit military sites in Iran if ordered by US President Donald Trump. So, what is Iran's new weapon, and what devastation can it wreak? Here's all we know. Trump's 'Mother of All Bombs' On Friday, Trump hinted at the possible use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb, also known as the "mother of all bombs", to target Iranian nuclear facilities. Weighing around 9,800 kilograms (21,600 pounds), the GBU-43/B is one of the largest non-nuclear conventional bombs in the US arsenal. It was first used in April 2017, during Trump's first presidential term, against a tunnel complex belonging to the ISIS (Daesh) terrorist organisation in Afghanistan. Also read | 100 victory claims, 200+ days of war: Is Trump's Iran gamble turning into a midterm nightmare? Iran's ‘Father of All Bombs’ While the IRGC has intentionally kept vague about the specifics of the new weapon, in 2017, the IRGC Aerospace Force had announced it had commissioned Iran’s Defense Industries to build an indigenous 10-tonne conventional bomb. At the time, they asserted it was heavier than the 9.8-tonne US MOAB, highly destructive, and designed to be launched from Ilyushin (Il-76) strategic transport airlifters. The 2026 announcement may be an upgraded, modernised, or official public unveiling of this project. Iran's shifting doctrine Mohebbi claimed that Iran's missile stockpile has increased by 1.5 times following the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June 2025, without providing specific figures. "The quality of the missiles has improved significantly, and their range, destructive power and accuracy in hitting targets have increased," he added. Also read | India, France, Indonesia and beyond: Protests grip the world as anger over inflation and housing boils over | In pics The IRGC spokesman said Iran is shifting its defense doctrine toward establishing permanent and absolute deterrence. "Previously, Iran's defense doctrine was purely defensive. We used to say that if a country attacked us, we would respond," Mohebbi said. "Now, we say that if a country attacks us, we will not only respond but also launch an offensive," he added. Mohebbi said Iran would respond to any assault with similar measures, stressing that the country's military doctrine would increasingly rely on asymmetric warfare. "Our doctrine will no longer be merely offensive; it will be asymmetric. We will attack the enemy in a way that makes them feel the intensity of our response," he said.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has revealed that it is preparing to unveil a new weapon referred to as the "Father of All Bombs," which it said was "something new for the enemy". Is it Iran's answer to Trump's " Mother of All Bombs"? Here's all we know.

'Father of all bombs' vs 'mother of all bombs': Iran threatens US with new weapon as Trump hints at MOAB strike

The US military has reportedly drawn up plans that could involve using its largest non-nuclear bomb, known as the "Mother of All Bombs", against Iran's energy infrastructure and nuclear sites if President Donald Trump orders a resumption of military operations.&nbsp;According to a CNN report citing US officials familiar with the plans, the weapon under consideration is the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB). Its potential use would mark a significant escalation in the conflict, although questions remain over its effectiveness against heavily fortified Iranian targets.&nbsp;The report does not indicate that a final decision has been made to use the bomb.<h2>What is MOAB?</h2>The GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast, commonly known as the "Mother of All Bombs", is a GPS-guided conventional weapon developed for the US military.&nbsp;It was developed by the US Air Force Research Laboratory in collaboration with defence contractor Dynetics. The weapon was designed to destroy large areas and strike targets such as cave networks and tunnel complexes.&nbsp;The name "Mother of All Bombs" comes from the weapon's acronym, MOAB. It is the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-trade-deal-first-phase-finalised-legal-drafting-under-way-says-piyush-goyal-1792068286962">India-US trade deal: First phase finalised, legal drafting under way, says Piyush Goyal</a><h2>Specifications and deployment</h2>The MOAB weighs approximately 21,600 pounds (9,800 kg) and measures about 30 feet (9.1 metres) in length. Its explosive payload weighs around 18,700 pounds (8,500 kg).&nbsp;Because of its enormous size and weight, the bomb cannot be carried by conventional fighter jets. It is designed to be deployed from a specially equipped C-130 military transport aircraft.&nbsp;The weapon uses GPS guidance to reach its intended target. Unlike bombs designed primarily to penetrate deep underground, the MOAB is built to produce a powerful blast over a large area.<h2>What kind of destruction can it cause?</h2>The MOAB can cause extensive destruction across a large area, with its blast effects reported to extend roughly 1,000 feet (300 metres) in all directions, depending on the terrain and conditions.&nbsp;Its powerful explosion can damage buildings, destroy exposed military equipment and affect cave and tunnel networks. However, the bomb is not designed primarily to penetrate deep layers of earth and rock before detonating.&nbsp;This could limit its effectiveness against Iran's heavily fortified underground nuclear facilities, as its ability to destroy deeply buried targets remains uncertain.<h2>When was the MOAB first used?</h2>The US military first used the MOAB in combat on April 13, 2017, during an operation against the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) in Afghanistan.&nbsp;An MC-130 aircraft dropped the bomb on a cave and tunnel complex in the Achin district of Nangarhar province. The operation marked the weapon's first known use in combat since it entered the US military's arsenal.&nbsp;If deployed against Iran, it would mark another use of the weapon in combat and a major escalation in the ongoing conflict.

The US is reportedly considering using the MOAB, its largest non-nuclear bomb, against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites if President Donald Trump orders renewed military operations.

The US military has reportedly drawn up plans that could involve using its largest non-nuclear bomb, known as the "Mother of All Bombs", against Iran's energy infrastructure and nuclear sites if President Donald Trump orders a resumption of military operations. According to a CNN report citing US officials familiar with the plans, the weapon under consideration is the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB). Its potential use would mark a significant escalation in the conflict, although questions remain over its effectiveness against heavily fortified Iranian targets. The report does not indicate that a final decision has been made to use the bomb. What is MOAB? The GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast, commonly known as the "Mother of All Bombs", is a GPS-guided conventional weapon developed for the US military. It was developed by the US Air Force Research Laboratory in collaboration with defence contractor Dynetics. The weapon was designed to destroy large areas and strike targets such as cave networks and tunnel complexes. The name "Mother of All Bombs" comes from the weapon's acronym, MOAB. It is the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal. Also Read: India-US trade deal: First phase finalised, legal drafting under way, says Piyush Goyal Specifications and deployment The MOAB weighs approximately 21,600 pounds (9,800 kg) and measures about 30 feet (9.1 metres) in length. Its explosive payload weighs around 18,700 pounds (8,500 kg). Because of its enormous size and weight, the bomb cannot be carried by conventional fighter jets. It is designed to be deployed from a specially equipped C-130 military transport aircraft. The weapon uses GPS guidance to reach its intended target. Unlike bombs designed primarily to penetrate deep underground, the MOAB is built to produce a powerful blast over a large area. What kind of destruction can it cause? The MOAB can cause extensive destruction across a large area, with its blast effects reported to extend roughly 1,000 feet (300 metres) in all directions, depending on the terrain and conditions. Its powerful explosion can damage buildings, destroy exposed military equipment and affect cave and tunnel networks. However, the bomb is not designed primarily to penetrate deep layers of earth and rock before detonating. This could limit its effectiveness against Iran's heavily fortified underground nuclear facilities, as its ability to destroy deeply buried targets remains uncertain. When was the MOAB first used? The US military first used the MOAB in combat on April 13, 2017, during an operation against the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) in Afghanistan. An MC-130 aircraft dropped the bomb on a cave and tunnel complex in the Achin district of Nangarhar province. The operation marked the weapon's first known use in combat since it entered the US military's arsenal. If deployed against Iran, it would mark another use of the weapon in combat and a major escalation in the ongoing conflict.

The US is reportedly considering using the MOAB, its largest non-nuclear bomb, against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites if President Donald Trump orders renewed military operations.

Explained: 'Mother of All Bombs' US reportedly plans to use against Iran

It has been over seven months since the US-Iran war began but negotiations have failed to yield any concrete result so far. United States President Donald Trump has tried all pressure tactics and threats to bring Tehran to the negotiating table on its terms and conditions but that has not fetched much success for Washington. Now, there are reports that the US plans ​to use the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb, also known ​as the "mother of ​all bombs", against Iranian energy ⁠infrastructure and nuclear sites.&nbsp;According to CNN report released on Thursday that cites US ​officials familiar with the ​matter, US could use the bomb if President Donald Trump ​orders renewed combat operations.&nbsp;The likely deployment of the largest ‌non-nuclear ⁠bomb in the US arsenal is bound to escalate tensions between the two countries. However, experts say whether US will be able to achieve its objective with the move remains a big question.&nbsp;According to CNN, the plans could be implemented before or after the upcoming US midterm elections if the president decides to resume combat operations. While Trump has announced publicly that he would not take new actions before the midterms.<h2>&nbsp;Iranian nuclear sites on target again</h2>&nbsp;But his advisers are not sure whether that statement would stand or change before Election Day, said the report.&nbsp;One of the sources said that "Trump has ordered the military to develop additional strike packages against Iranian targets that include “a lot of energy infrastructure” and the potential use of a MOAB."&nbsp;While another source told the media outlet that the US military is planning to attack Iranian nuclear sites, including Pickaxe Mountain, and using the MOAB in the attacks.&nbsp;Another US official noted that the use of MOAB is being considered by the US military also because higher-end targets, including those that are located deep underground, like Iran's nuclear sites, require bigger bombs.&nbsp;

One of the sources said that Trump has ordered the military to develop additional strike packages against Iranian targets that include a lot of energy infrastructure and the potential use of a MOAB.

It has been over seven months since the US-Iran war began but negotiations have failed to yield any concrete result so far. United States President Donald Trump has tried all pressure tactics and threats to bring Tehran to the negotiating table on its terms and conditions but that has not fetched much success for Washington. Now, there are reports that the US plans to use the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb, also known as the "mother of all bombs", against Iranian energy ⁠infrastructure and nuclear sites. According to CNN report released on Thursday that cites US officials familiar with the matter, US could use the bomb if President Donald Trump orders renewed combat operations. The likely deployment of the largest ‌non-nuclear ⁠bomb in the US arsenal is bound to escalate tensions between the two countries. However, experts say whether US will be able to achieve its objective with the move remains a big question. According to CNN, the plans could be implemented before or after the upcoming US midterm elections if the president decides to resume combat operations. While Trump has announced publicly that he would not take new actions before the midterms. Iranian nuclear sites on target again But his advisers are not sure whether that statement would stand or change before Election Day, said the report. One of the sources said that "Trump has ordered the military to develop additional strike packages against Iranian targets that include “a lot of energy infrastructure” and the potential use of a MOAB." While another source told the media outlet that the US military is planning to attack Iranian nuclear sites, including Pickaxe Mountain, and using the MOAB in the attacks. Another US official noted that the use of MOAB is being considered by the US military also because higher-end targets, including those that are located deep underground, like Iran's nuclear sites, require bigger bombs.

One of the sources said that "Trump has ordered the military to develop additional strike packages against Iranian targets that include a lot of energy infrastructure and the potential use of a MOAB."

US considering use of ‘mother of all bombs’ in its war with Iran: Report

The detonation of this bomb would instantly vaporise all living matter within its blast zone, making the FOAB an exceptionally devastating weapon.

The detonation of this bomb would instantly vaporise all living matter within its blast zone, making the FOAB an exceptionally devastating weapon.

‘World’s deadliest conventional weapon’: How Russia’s ‘Father of All Bombs’ can devastate cities without nuclear warhead

China has developed a massive bomb, said to be the country's answer to the US-built 'Mother of All Bombs', the most powerful non-nuclear weapon, official media reported on Friday.&nbsp;

China's defence industry giant NORINCO for the first time showcased the aerial bomb, the country's largest non-nuclear bomb, state-run Global Times reported.

It is dubbed as the Chinese version of the "Mother of All Bombs" due to its huge destruction potential that is claimed to be only second to nuclear weapons, the daily said.

The bomb was airdropped by an H-6K bomber and caused a gigantic explosion, showed a promotional video released by China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO) on its website at the end of December.&nbsp;

This is the first time the new bomb's destructive powers have been shown in public, state-run Xinhua News Agency reported.&nbsp;

Last year, while waging war against militants in Afghanistan, the US military dropped a GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) weapon, more commonly known as the "Mother of All Bombs," on the Islamic State.

Although China is using the same nickname for its bomb, said to weigh several tonnes, the Chinese weapon is smaller and lighter than its American counterpart.&nbsp;

Judging from the video and the size of the H-6K's bomb bay, the bomb is approximately five to six meters long, Beijing-based military analyst Wei Dongxu told the Global Times on Thursday.

"The massive blast can easily and completely wipe out fortified ground targets such as reinforced buildings, bastions and defence shelters," Wei said.

It can also be used to clear a landing zone for troops on helicopters to rappel down, in case the area is covered by obstacles such as forests, Wei noted. 
Wei said that the Chinese bomb is smaller and lighter than the US one, enabling it to be deployed on the H-6K bomber.

"The US bomb is so large that it has to be carried by a larger transport aircraft rather than a bomber," Wei said, noting that a bomber can fly faster and is better at targeting than a transport aircraft, and the Chinese bomb's designer must have had this in mind when it produced the bomb to fit the H-6K.

To match the US weapon, Russia developed the "Father of All Bombs" which is both bigger and thermobaric, meaning it uses gas to create a huge fireball rather than a shockwave, Wired reported.

A NORINCO representative clarified that the bomb shown in the video is not a thermobaric weapon, but did not provide additional details, the Global Times report said.

China has developed a massive bomb, said to be the country's answer to the US-built 'Mother of All Bombs', the most powerful non-nuclear weapon, official media reported on Friday.

China has developed a massive bomb, said to be the country's answer to the US-built 'Mother of All Bombs', the most powerful non-nuclear weapon, official media reported on Friday. China's defence industry giant NORINCO for the first time showcased the aerial bomb, the country's largest non-nuclear bomb, state-run Global Times reported. It is dubbed as the Chinese version of the "Mother of All Bombs" due to its huge destruction potential that is claimed to be only second to nuclear weapons, the daily said. The bomb was airdropped by an H-6K bomber and caused a gigantic explosion, showed a promotional video released by China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO) on its website at the end of December. This is the first time the new bomb's destructive powers have been shown in public, state-run Xinhua News Agency reported. Last year, while waging war against militants in Afghanistan, the US military dropped a GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) weapon, more commonly known as the "Mother of All Bombs," on the Islamic State. Although China is using the same nickname for its bomb, said to weigh several tonnes, the Chinese weapon is smaller and lighter than its American counterpart. Judging from the video and the size of the H-6K's bomb bay, the bomb is approximately five to six meters long, Beijing-based military analyst Wei Dongxu told the Global Times on Thursday. "The massive blast can easily and completely wipe out fortified ground targets such as reinforced buildings, bastions and defence shelters," Wei said. It can also be used to clear a landing zone for troops on helicopters to rappel down, in case the area is covered by obstacles such as forests, Wei noted. Wei said that the Chinese bomb is smaller and lighter than the US one, enabling it to be deployed on the H-6K bomber. "The US bomb is so large that it has to be carried by a larger transport aircraft rather than a bomber," Wei said, noting that a bomber can fly faster and is better at targeting than a transport aircraft, and the Chinese bomb's designer must have had this in mind when it produced the bomb to fit the H-6K. To match the US weapon, Russia developed the "Father of All Bombs" which is both bigger and thermobaric, meaning it uses gas to create a huge fireball rather than a shockwave, Wired reported. A NORINCO representative clarified that the bomb shown in the video is not a thermobaric weapon, but did not provide additional details, the Global Times report said.

China develops its own 'Mother of All Bombs': Report

China has developed a massive bomb, said to be the country's answer to the US-built 'Mother of All Bombs', the most powerful non-nuclear weapon, official media reported on Friday.&nbsp;

China's defence industry giant NORINCO for the first time showcased the aerial bomb, the country's largest non-nuclear bomb, state-run Global Times reported.

It is dubbed as the Chinese version of the "Mother of All Bombs" due to its huge destructive potential that is claimed to be only second to nuclear weapons, the daily said.

The bomb was airdropped by an H-6K bomber and caused a gigantic explosion, showed a promotional video released by China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO) on its website at the end of December.&nbsp;

This is the first time the new bomb's destructive powers have been shown in public, state-run Xinhua News Agency reported.&nbsp;

Last year, while waging war against militants in Afghanistan, the US military dropped a GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) weapon, more commonly known as the "Mother of All Bombs," on the Islamic State.

Although China is using the same nickname for its bomb, said to weigh several tonnes, the Chinese weapon is smaller and lighter than its American counterpart.&nbsp;

Judging from the video and the size of the H-6K's bomb bay, the bomb is approximately five to six meters long, Beijing-based military analyst Wei Dongxu told the Global Times on Thursday.

"The massive blast can easily and completely wipe out fortified ground targets such as reinforced buildings, bastions and defence shelters," Wei said.

It can also be used to clear a landing zone for troops on helicopters to rappel down, in case the area is covered by obstacles such as forests, Wei noted.

Wei said that the Chinese bomb is smaller and lighter than the US one, enabling it to be deployed on the H-6K bomber.

"The US bomb is so large that it has to be carried by a larger transport aircraft rather than a bomber," Wei said, noting that a bomber can fly faster and is better at targeting than a transport aircraft, and the Chinese bomb's designer must have had this in mind when it produced the bomb to fit the H-6K.

To match the US weapon, Russia developed the "Father of All Bombs" which is both bigger and thermobaric, meaning it uses gas to create a huge fireball rather than a shockwave, Wired reported.

A NORINCO representative clarified that the bomb shown in the video is not a thermobaric weapon, but did not provide additional details, the Global Times report said.&nbsp;

China's defence industry giant NORINCO for the first time showcased the aerial bomb, the country's largest non-nuclear bomb, state-run Global Times reported.

China has developed a massive bomb, said to be the country's answer to the US-built 'Mother of All Bombs', the most powerful non-nuclear weapon, official media reported on Friday. China's defence industry giant NORINCO for the first time showcased the aerial bomb, the country's largest non-nuclear bomb, state-run Global Times reported. It is dubbed as the Chinese version of the "Mother of All Bombs" due to its huge destructive potential that is claimed to be only second to nuclear weapons, the daily said. The bomb was airdropped by an H-6K bomber and caused a gigantic explosion, showed a promotional video released by China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO) on its website at the end of December. This is the first time the new bomb's destructive powers have been shown in public, state-run Xinhua News Agency reported. Last year, while waging war against militants in Afghanistan, the US military dropped a GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) weapon, more commonly known as the "Mother of All Bombs," on the Islamic State. Although China is using the same nickname for its bomb, said to weigh several tonnes, the Chinese weapon is smaller and lighter than its American counterpart. Judging from the video and the size of the H-6K's bomb bay, the bomb is approximately five to six meters long, Beijing-based military analyst Wei Dongxu told the Global Times on Thursday. "The massive blast can easily and completely wipe out fortified ground targets such as reinforced buildings, bastions and defence shelters," Wei said. It can also be used to clear a landing zone for troops on helicopters to rappel down, in case the area is covered by obstacles such as forests, Wei noted. Wei said that the Chinese bomb is smaller and lighter than the US one, enabling it to be deployed on the H-6K bomber. "The US bomb is so large that it has to be carried by a larger transport aircraft rather than a bomber," Wei said, noting that a bomber can fly faster and is better at targeting than a transport aircraft, and the Chinese bomb's designer must have had this in mind when it produced the bomb to fit the H-6K. To match the US weapon, Russia developed the "Father of All Bombs" which is both bigger and thermobaric, meaning it uses gas to create a huge fireball rather than a shockwave, Wired reported. A NORINCO representative clarified that the bomb shown in the video is not a thermobaric weapon, but did not provide additional details, the Global Times report said.

Islamic State (IS) have captured territory around Tora Bora,&nbsp;Osama bin Laden&#39;s former stronghold located in Afghanistan&#39;s eastern Nangarhar province, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jun/14/isis-afghanistan-taliban-tora-bora-osama-bin-laden" target="_blank">The Guardian</a> reports Afghan officials as saying.&nbsp;

If IS can capture the giant cave complex, where bin Laden formerly stayed, from the Afghan Taliban, it would be a large victory for the militants.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="videos-block">
<div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Je4c_GbYEbc"></iframe></div>
</div>

<div class="media-description">
The IS militant group captured parts of the remote mountainous area of Tora Bora region on Tuesday night from the Taliban. WION&#39;s Daniel Pagani reports from Kabul (WION)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

This comes one day after Trump&#39;s defense chief, General Jim &quot;Mad Dog&quot; Mattis, described the situation in Afghanistan in blunt and negative terms: &quot;We are not winning.&quot; Trump will now allow the Pentagon to set troop levels in Afghanistan, and a contingent of a few thousand American soldiers are expected to arrive.

Attacks in the mountain range began late Tuesday night, according to a spokesman in Nangarhar, Attahullah Khgyani, cited by The Guardian. There have been unspecified casualties on both sides.

They also cite Hazrat Ali, a Nangarharian lawmaker, as saying that 12 Taliban fighters were killed in the clash. &quot;Based on our information from local people, hundreds of Isis fighters attacked Taliban militants in Tora Bora.&quot;

So far there has been no official comment from IS or the Taliban.

Islamic States&#39; attack near Tora Bora&nbsp;comes two months after the US dropped the largest non-nuclear bomb in the world, known as the MOAB or Mother Of All Bombs, on a cave complex in eastern Afghanistan, <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/bomb-video-afghanistan-pentagon-footage-moab-twitter-us-department-of-defence-a7683731.html" target="_blank">reportedly </a>killing at least 36 IS militants.

&nbsp;

Capturing the giant cave complex currently under the Afghan Taliban's control would be a major victory for IS

Islamic State (IS) have captured territory around Tora Bora, Osama bin Laden's former stronghold located in Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar province, The Guardian reports Afghan officials as saying. If IS can capture the giant cave complex, where bin Laden formerly stayed, from the Afghan Taliban, it would be a large victory for the militants. The IS militant group captured parts of the remote mountainous area of Tora Bora region on Tuesday night from the Taliban. WION's Daniel Pagani reports from Kabul (WION) × This comes one day after Trump's defense chief, General Jim "Mad Dog" Mattis, described the situation in Afghanistan in blunt and negative terms: "We are not winning." Trump will now allow the Pentagon to set troop levels in Afghanistan, and a contingent of a few thousand American soldiers are expected to arrive. Attacks in the mountain range began late Tuesday night, according to a spokesman in Nangarhar, Attahullah Khgyani, cited by The Guardian. There have been unspecified casualties on both sides. They also cite Hazrat Ali, a Nangarharian lawmaker, as saying that 12 Taliban fighters were killed in the clash. "Based on our information from local people, hundreds of Isis fighters attacked Taliban militants in Tora Bora." So far there has been no official comment from IS or the Taliban. Islamic States' attack near Tora Bora comes two months after the US dropped the largest non-nuclear bomb in the world, known as the MOAB or Mother Of All Bombs, on a cave complex in eastern Afghanistan, reportedly killing at least 36 IS militants.

Islamic State captures territory around Tora Bora, near bin Laden's former stronghold

Egypt&#39;s Copts, targets of an apparent church bombing north of Cairo on Sunday, are the Middle East&#39;s largest Christian minority and one of the oldest.

Making up about 10 percent of Egypt&#39;s population of 90 million, the Coptic Orthodox form the largest Christian denomination in the Muslim-majority country.

Here is a recap of their history, their status today and recent attacks against them.

&#39;Dawn of Christianity&#39;&nbsp;

The Copts trace their history to the dawn of Christianity, when Egypt was integrated into the Roman and later the Byzantine empire.

The word &quot;Copt&quot; comes from the same root as the word for &quot;Egyptian&quot; in ancient Greek.

The community&#39;s decline started with the Arab invasions of the 7th century and the progressive Islamisation of the country, which today is largely Sunni Muslim.

Several churches and monasteries in Egypt are built on sites Copts believe were visited by the Holy Family.

The Bible says Joseph, Mary and Jesus sought refuge in Egypt after Christ&#39;s birth to escape a massacre of newborns ordered by King Harod.

Copts today&nbsp;

Copts, represented in all social classes, are present across the whole country, with the strongest concentration in central and southern Egypt.

Most adhere to the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, headed since 2012 by Pope Tawadros II. A minority is divided between Coptic Catholics and various Coptic Protestant branches.

Tawadros, who succeeded pope Shenuda III, was chosen by a blindfolded altar boy picking his name from a chalice, according to tradition.

The Catholic Copts, who form part of the Church&#39;s eastern rite, have been headed by patriarch Ibrahim Isaac Sidrak since 2013.

The Vatican says some 165,000 Catholic Copts lived in Egypt in 2010.

Poorly represented in government, Copts complain that they are sidelined from many posts in the justice system, universities and the police.

Authorities often refuse to issue building permits for churches, arguing it would disturb the peace with their Muslim neighbours.

Deadly violence&nbsp;

Egypt&#39;s Copts have been the target of several deadly attacks since the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime president Hosni Mubarak.

On January 1, 2011, more than 20 people died in the unclaimed bombing of a Coptic church in Egypt&#39;s second city, Alexandria.

In March the same year, 13 people were killed in clashes between Muslims and Copts in Cairo&#39;s working class neighbourhood of Moqattam, where around 1,000 Christians had gathered to protest over the torching of a church.

In May 2011, clashes between Muslims and Copts left 15 dead in the Cairo neighbourhood of Imbaba, where two churches were attacked.

That October, almost 30 people -- mostly Coptic Christians -- were killed after the army charged at a protest in Cairo to denounce the torching of a church in southern Egypt.

The 2013 ouster of Mubarak&#39;s elected Islamist successor Mohamed Morsi after just one year in power sparked further attacks against Christians.

Pro-Morsi Islamists accused the Christian community of supporting his overthrow.

They pointed to the appearance of Tawadros alongside President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on television in July 2013 as the then army chief, also surrounded by Muslim and opposition figures, announced Morsi&#39;s removal.

The next month, security forces used deadly force to break up two pro-Morsi protest camps in Cairo.&nbsp;

The following two weeks saw attacks against more than 40 churches across the country, according to Human Rights Watch.

Amnesty International later said more than 200 Christian-owned properties were attacked and 43 churches seriously damaged, with at least four people killed.

In December last year, a suicide bombing claimed by the Islamic State group killed 29 worshippers during a Sunday mass in Cairo.&nbsp;

A spate of deadly jihadist-linked attacks in Egypt&#39;s restive Sinai Peninsula in February prompted some Coptic families to flee their homes.

About 250 Christians took refuge in the Suez Canal city of Ismailiya after IS released a video calling for attacks against the minority.

Pope Francis is set to visit Cairo late this month for talks with the grand imam of the capital&#39;s famed Al-Azhar mosque and to show solidarity with Coptic Christians.

(AFP)

The Pajhwok Afghan News agency said a security source had confirmed the news

Egypt's Copts, targets of an apparent church bombing north of Cairo on Sunday, are the Middle East's largest Christian minority and one of the oldest. Making up about 10 percent of Egypt's population of 90 million, the Coptic Orthodox form the largest Christian denomination in the Muslim-majority country. Here is a recap of their history, their status today and recent attacks against them. 'Dawn of Christianity' The Copts trace their history to the dawn of Christianity, when Egypt was integrated into the Roman and later the Byzantine empire. The word "Copt" comes from the same root as the word for "Egyptian" in ancient Greek. The community's decline started with the Arab invasions of the 7th century and the progressive Islamisation of the country, which today is largely Sunni Muslim. Several churches and monasteries in Egypt are built on sites Copts believe were visited by the Holy Family. The Bible says Joseph, Mary and Jesus sought refuge in Egypt after Christ's birth to escape a massacre of newborns ordered by King Harod. Copts today Copts, represented in all social classes, are present across the whole country, with the strongest concentration in central and southern Egypt. Most adhere to the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, headed since 2012 by Pope Tawadros II. A minority is divided between Coptic Catholics and various Coptic Protestant branches. Tawadros, who succeeded pope Shenuda III, was chosen by a blindfolded altar boy picking his name from a chalice, according to tradition. The Catholic Copts, who form part of the Church's eastern rite, have been headed by patriarch Ibrahim Isaac Sidrak since 2013. The Vatican says some 165,000 Catholic Copts lived in Egypt in 2010. Poorly represented in government, Copts complain that they are sidelined from many posts in the justice system, universities and the police. Authorities often refuse to issue building permits for churches, arguing it would disturb the peace with their Muslim neighbours. Deadly violence Egypt's Copts have been the target of several deadly attacks since the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime president Hosni Mubarak. On January 1, 2011, more than 20 people died in the unclaimed bombing of a Coptic church in Egypt's second city, Alexandria. In March the same year, 13 people were killed in clashes between Muslims and Copts in Cairo's working class neighbourhood of Moqattam, where around 1,000 Christians had gathered to protest over the torching of a church. In May 2011, clashes between Muslims and Copts left 15 dead in the Cairo neighbourhood of Imbaba, where two churches were attacked. That October, almost 30 people -- mostly Coptic Christians -- were killed after the army charged at a protest in Cairo to denounce the torching of a church in southern Egypt. The 2013 ouster of Mubarak's elected Islamist successor Mohamed Morsi after just one year in power sparked further attacks against Christians. Pro-Morsi Islamists accused the Christian community of supporting his overthrow. They pointed to the appearance of Tawadros alongside President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on television in July 2013 as the then army chief, also surrounded by Muslim and opposition figures, announced Morsi's removal. The next month, security forces used deadly force to break up two pro-Morsi protest camps in Cairo. The following two weeks saw attacks against more than 40 churches across the country, according to Human Rights Watch. Amnesty International later said more than 200 Christian-owned properties were attacked and 43 churches seriously damaged, with at least four people killed. In December last year, a suicide bombing claimed by the Islamic State group killed 29 worshippers during a Sunday mass in Cairo. A spate of deadly jihadist-linked attacks in Egypt's restive Sinai Peninsula in February prompted some Coptic families to flee their homes. About 250 Christians took refuge in the Suez Canal city of Ismailiya after IS released a video calling for attacks against the minority. Pope Francis is set to visit Cairo late this month for talks with the grand imam of the capital's famed Al-Azhar mosque and to show solidarity with Coptic Christians. (AFP)

13 Indians died in Mother of all Bombs attack: Afghan news agency

The United States has dropped its largest non-nuclear bomb on Afghanistan, killing dozens of Islamic State militants in a dramatic escalation that US President Donald Trump said had been &quot;very, very successful&quot;.

Here are five other views on the use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb -- dubbed the &quot;Mother Of All Bombs&quot; -- for the first time in combat since it was developed in the early days of the Iraq war.

US Central Command

General John Nicholson, the top US commander in Afghanistan, told a press conference in Kabul Friday that the bomb was the &quot;right weapon against the right target&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;The enemy had created bunkers, tunnels and extensive mine fields, and this weapon was used to reduce those obstacles so that we could continue our offensive in southern Nangarhar,&quot; he said, adding US and Afghan forces at the site had seen &quot;no evidence of civilian casualties&quot;. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Afghan leaders

Afghanistan&#39;s president Ashraf Ghani threw his support behind the bombardment, emphasising that &quot;precautions were taken to avoid civilian casualties&quot;.&nbsp;

But other officials dissented, with several such as Omar Zakhilwal, the Afghan envoy to Pakistan, slamming the strike as &quot;reprehensible&quot; and &quot;counterproductive&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;If big bombs were the solution we would be the most secure place on earth today,&quot; he tweeted.&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWIONews%2Fvideos%2F633534410190531%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="560"></iframe>

Analysts

As the dust settled analysts also began to question just how much the sound and fury of the strike signified, with some suggesting the decision may have been &quot;disproportionate&quot;.

&quot;The Trump administration made a lot of noise with this bomb, but the general state of play on the ground remains the same: The Taliban continues to wage a formidable and ferocious insurgency. ISIS, by comparison, is a sideshow,&quot; Michael Kugelman of the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington told AFP, using an alternative acronym for IS.

&quot;Still, from a strategic standpoint, there is an unsettling takeaway here: The US pulled off a huge shock and awe mission against an enemy that isn&#39;t even the top threat to the US in Afghanistan. The Taliban continues to sit pretty,&quot; he said.

Residents of Achin

Civilians living in Achin district appeared to welcome the bombardment.

&quot;Daesh (IS) fighters are active in this area and have overrun our houses,&quot; said Achin resident Khair Mohammad. &quot;We don&#39;t care if our houses are destroyed, we want Daesh to be eliminated.&quot;

Achin residents who spoke to AFP along the border with Pakistan, near the Torkham Gate crossing, appeared to shrug off early reports of the blast, however.&nbsp;

&quot;I heard that there was some sort of bombing last night but it&#39;s nothing new, we are used to it,&quot; welder Arshad Ali told AFP.

&quot;I talked to my family members over the phone last night and they said there had been shelling,&quot; said labourer Safdar Shinwari.

&quot;Shelling and drone strikes are routine in that area and it&#39;s nothing unusual,&quot; he added.

Islamic State

More than 20 hours after the blast, IS issued a statement denying it had suffered any casualties whatsoever.

&quot;Security source to Amaq agency denies any dead or wounded from yesterday&#39;s American strike in Nangarhar using a GBU-43/B,&quot; the group&#39;s self-styled news agency said on social media accounts.

IS rarely admits its losses after such attacks.&nbsp;

For its part, the Taliban quickly condemned what it called &quot;America&#39;s heavy use of weapons in Afghanistan&quot;.

(AFP)

&nbsp;

US had dropped the 'Mother of All Bombs' on the war-stricken country on Thursday evening

The United States has dropped its largest non-nuclear bomb on Afghanistan, killing dozens of Islamic State militants in a dramatic escalation that US President Donald Trump said had been "very, very successful". Here are five other views on the use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb -- dubbed the "Mother Of All Bombs" -- for the first time in combat since it was developed in the early days of the Iraq war. US Central Command General John Nicholson, the top US commander in Afghanistan, told a press conference in Kabul Friday that the bomb was the "right weapon against the right target". "The enemy had created bunkers, tunnels and extensive mine fields, and this weapon was used to reduce those obstacles so that we could continue our offensive in southern Nangarhar," he said, adding US and Afghan forces at the site had seen "no evidence of civilian casualties". Afghan leaders Afghanistan's president Ashraf Ghani threw his support behind the bombardment, emphasising that "precautions were taken to avoid civilian casualties". But other officials dissented, with several such as Omar Zakhilwal, the Afghan envoy to Pakistan, slamming the strike as "reprehensible" and "counterproductive". "If big bombs were the solution we would be the most secure place on earth today," he tweeted. Analysts As the dust settled analysts also began to question just how much the sound and fury of the strike signified, with some suggesting the decision may have been "disproportionate". "The Trump administration made a lot of noise with this bomb, but the general state of play on the ground remains the same: The Taliban continues to wage a formidable and ferocious insurgency. ISIS, by comparison, is a sideshow," Michael Kugelman of the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington told AFP, using an alternative acronym for IS. "Still, from a strategic standpoint, there is an unsettling takeaway here: The US pulled off a huge shock and awe mission against an enemy that isn't even the top threat to the US in Afghanistan. The Taliban continues to sit pretty," he said. Residents of Achin Civilians living in Achin district appeared to welcome the bombardment. "Daesh (IS) fighters are active in this area and have overrun our houses," said Achin resident Khair Mohammad. "We don't care if our houses are destroyed, we want Daesh to be eliminated." Achin residents who spoke to AFP along the border with Pakistan, near the Torkham Gate crossing, appeared to shrug off early reports of the blast, however. "I heard that there was some sort of bombing last night but it's nothing new, we are used to it," welder Arshad Ali told AFP. "I talked to my family members over the phone last night and they said there had been shelling," said labourer Safdar Shinwari. "Shelling and drone strikes are routine in that area and it's nothing unusual," he added. Islamic State More than 20 hours after the blast, IS issued a statement denying it had suffered any casualties whatsoever. "Security source to Amaq agency denies any dead or wounded from yesterday's American strike in Nangarhar using a GBU-43/B," the group's self-styled news agency said on social media accounts. IS rarely admits its losses after such attacks. For its part, the Taliban quickly condemned what it called "America's heavy use of weapons in Afghanistan". (AFP)

The Rashomon effect of US' huge bomb attack on Afghanistan

The MOAB is nicknamed &quot;mother of all bombs&quot;. It has a blast radius of nearly 50 km.

A MOAB is a 21,600-pound, GPS-guided munition that is America&#39;s most powerful non-nuclear bomb.

The bomb was developed for the US military by Albert Weimorts of the Air Force Research Laboratory.

It was first tested in March 2003, just days before the start of the Iraq war.

However, a 2007 Russian weapon, nicknamed the Father of All Bombs, is regarded to be more powerful.

The bomb weighs more than 10,000 kilograms and contains 8,164 kilograms of explosive.The US has never used this bomb in its military operation.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/preview/article/14279">Operational history of Tomahawk missiles</a>

(WION)

The MOAB is nicknamed?'mother of all bombs' and has a blast radius of nearly 50 km

The MOAB is nicknamed "mother of all bombs". It has a blast radius of nearly 50 km. A MOAB is a 21,600-pound, GPS-guided munition that is America's most powerful non-nuclear bomb. The bomb was developed for the US military by Albert Weimorts of the Air Force Research Laboratory. It was first tested in March 2003, just days before the start of the Iraq war. However, a 2007 Russian weapon, nicknamed the Father of All Bombs, is regarded to be more powerful. The bomb weighs more than 10,000 kilograms and contains 8,164 kilograms of explosive.The US has never used this bomb in its military operation. Also read: Operational history of Tomahawk missiles (WION)

What is the MOAB?