ISIS News: U.S. Running Out of Bombs to Drop on Terrorists?
Just recently, the reclamation of Sinjar has paved the way for anti-terrorist groups to boost their hopes up for a world of no bloodshed and war, but with new reports claiming that the United States is running out of bombs to drop on ISIS fighters, it seems hopes are starting to be buried under the rubble once more.
According to CNN, a United States Air Force official said the stocks on bombs are "below our desired objective." This could be because for the past 15 months when U.S. President Barack Obama announced the bombing campaign against the Islamic State, the U.S. Air Force has launched more than 20,000 missiles. The huge number of missiles leaving bases has led to the unexpected depletion of stocks.
The official added that while the Air Force has requested for additional funding to make sure enough bombs will be created before the stocks finally run out, the process can take "up to four years from time of expenditure to asset ressuply."
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Air Force chief of staff Gen. Mark Welsh also said in a statement that the issue lies on the huge number of missiles being fired, while failing to consider if there is enough time and items necessary to replace the lost missiles.
"B-1s have dropped bombs in record numbers...we need the funding in place to ensure we're prepared for the long fight. This is a critical need," Welsh said.
One of the possible reasons that the Air Force was pushed to launch bombs in huge numbers is the criticism that Obama has received from Republicans, specifically those who are on the presidential race. Republicans have been hot on the President's trail for the past months, calling on him to boost up his offensive against the Islamic State, with some particularly pointing out that he may be chickening out on the fight.
The few number of victories claimed by the U.S.-led coalition, compared to the ISIS' successful rampage on various regions around the globe, has indeed become an encouragement to Yazidis and Kurdish fighters who are fighting to reclaim their land. However, the disheartening news may also start to take its toll on the soldiers and those who are planning to join the battle against the jihadists.
