On the other hand, if ISIS was occupying a fairly large but centralized area where innocent lives were not at risk, and they had built tunnels and fortifications that smaller air-dropped munitions would have a hard time striking, then why not put MOAB to use? Using troops to clear such an area would be a needless risk to soldiers' lives.

On top of sucking the air out of anyone's lungs within the vicinity of its detonation, and creating a massive and very hot shockwave, the psychological effects of the sounds and tremors from the blast, as well as the resulting widespread devastation following its use would be just a bonus.

We will keep this post updated as more information comes available.

Update 12pm PST: Here's the official statement on the MOAB's use, and it pretty much sums up the weaponeering for the target in question-