Pentagon considers new weapon

Washington - The Pentagon is studying whether to develop a nuclear bomb that would be capable of knocking out hardened or deeply…

Washington - The Pentagon is studying whether to develop a nuclear bomb that would be capable of knocking out hardened or deeply-buried targets without huge collateral damage, the Washington Post reported yesterday.

Citing administration and congressional sources, the newspaper said officials are looking at whether to build a low-yield nuclear weapon with an earth-penetrating nose cone as a way to hit underground leadership bunkers and command centres. Rising concern that the Iraqi leader, Mr Saddam Hussein, could hide weapons in underground bunkers has heightened interest in such weapons, the Post said.)