The world watched in awe as the United States military dropped the 'mother of all bombs' (MOAB) on an Afghan village in 2017. The massive 10,000kg bomb, officially known as the GBU-43/B, was used to target ISIS-Khideen caves in the Achin district of Nangarhar province. In the years since the bombing, the village has struggled to recover, with many residents still picking up the pieces of their shattered lives.

Introduction to the MOAB

The MOAB is the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US military's arsenal, weighing over 10,000kg and carrying nearly 9,000kg of explosive material. Its massive size and destructive power make it a formidable weapon, capable of leveling entire city blocks. The bomb's use in Afghanistan marked the first time it had been deployed in combat, and its effects were felt for miles around.

The Immediate Aftermath

In the immediate aftermath of the bombing, the village was left reeling. The blast wave from the MOAB destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes, businesses, and infrastructure, leaving many residents without access to basic necessities like food, water, and shelter. The bombing also had a devastating impact on the local environment, with many trees and crops destroyed or damaged.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of the MOAB has been a major concern for residents and international organizations. The blast wave from the bomb disturbed the local ecosystem, causing widespread damage to trees, crops, and wildlife habitats. The bombing also contaminated local water sources, making it difficult for residents to access clean drinking water.

Long-Term Consequences

In the years since the bombing, the village has struggled to recover. Many residents have been left without access to basic necessities like healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. The bombing also had a profound psychological impact on residents, with many experiencing anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Economic Challenges

The economic challenges facing the village are significant. Many businesses were destroyed or damaged in the bombing, leaving residents without access to income or employment opportunities. The village's agricultural sector, which was once a major source of income, has also been severely impacted. The loss of crops and livestock has made it difficult for residents to feed themselves, let alone generate income.

Unanswered Questions

Despite the passing of time, many questions remain unanswered about the use of the MOAB in Afghanistan. The US military has faced criticism for its decision to use the bomb, with many arguing that it was disproportionate and indiscriminate. The bombing also raised concerns about the use of such powerful weapons in populated areas, where civilians are often at risk of being caught in the crossfire.

Lack of Transparency

One of the major concerns surrounding the use of the MOAB is the lack of transparency. The US military has released limited information about the bombing, making it difficult for residents and international organizations to understand the full extent of the damage. The lack of transparency has also made it challenging to hold those responsible for the bombing accountable for their actions.

International Response

The international community has been slow to respond to the needs of the village. While some organizations have provided humanitarian aid, much more needs to be done to support the recovery efforts. The United Nations has called for increased support for the village, including funding for reconstruction and rehabilitation programs.

Humanitarian Aid

Humanitarian aid has been crucial in supporting the village's recovery efforts. Organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have provided essential services like food, shelter, and healthcare. However, much more needs to be done to address the long-term needs of the village.

Conclusion

The use of the MOAB in Afghanistan has left a lasting impact on the village, with many residents still struggling to recover. The bombing has raised important questions about the use of such powerful weapons in populated areas, and the need for greater transparency and accountability. As the international community continues to grapple with the consequences of the bombing, it is essential that we prioritize the needs of the village and provide the support necessary for its recovery. The key takeaways from this report are:

• •The MOAB has had a devastating impact on the village, with widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
• •The bombing has raised important questions about the use of such powerful weapons in populated areas.
• •The international community must prioritize the needs of the village and provide the support necessary for its recovery.
• •Greater transparency and accountability are needed to ensure that those responsible for the bombing are held accountable for their actions.
• •The long-term consequences of the bombing will be felt for years to come, making it essential that we continue to support the village's recovery efforts.