WASHINGTON, Nov 6: With its use of the 6,750-kilogram “daisy cutter” bomb in Afghanistan, the United States has unleashed one of its most powerful weapons — billed as the world’s largest conventional bomb.

The BLU-82 combines a watery mixture of ammonium nitrate and aluminium with air, then ignites the mist for a huge explosion that incinerates everything within up to 600 metres. The shock wave can be felt several kilometres away.

First created during the Vietnam war to quickly clear jungle landing zones, the “daisy cutter” also was used against Iraqi troops during the Gulf war. Reports from the ground in Afghanistan indicate the huge bombs have been used against frontline Taliban positions.

The bombs cost about 27,000 dollars each.—AP