The US Strategic Command, which oversees America's nuclear and missile arsenal, boasted in a tweet about dropping "something much, much bigger" than the Times Square ball.

Key points: The video was viewed more than 170,000 times before being deleted

The video was viewed more than 170,000 times before being deleted The message sparked criticism on social media

The message sparked criticism on social media The US Strategic Command deleted the tweet and posted an apology later the same evening

The New Year's Eve tweet, which included a video of a B-2 stealth bomber dropping bombs followed by explosions on the ground, was deleted after three hours.

"#TimesSquare tradition rings in the #NewYear by dropping the big ball … if ever needed, we are #ready to drop something much, much bigger," the tweet said.

Command later posted an apology.

"Our previous NYE tweet was in poor taste & does not reflect our values."

"We apologize. We are dedicated to the security of America & allies."

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The incident sparked a flurry of criticism on social media.

Former head of the US Office of Government Ethics, Walter M Shaub Jr, tweeted: "What kind of maniacs are running this country?"

"Why is @US_Stratcom joking about nuclear war? #shameful," tweeted @maryfshort.

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