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Massive bomb raises concerns about military strategy, church security

The 11-ton bomb that U.S. forces dropped on ISIS complexes in Afghanistan sent a major message to the terror group, but a Winthrop University political science professor worries that it could send the wrong message to Americans.

Doctor Chris Van Aller has written about military strategy and international relations.

[Officials: No need for Trump's approval to use massive bomb]

He told Channel 9 on Friday that the magnitude of Thursday’s bombing could overshadow the complex and fragmented war on terrorism, where the size of the weapons doesn’t guarantee a victory.

(Click PLAY to watch full video of U.S. MOAB strike)

“The problem with the weapon that we dropped is that it gives us the illusion of success,” Van Aller said.

He said the war against ISIS is more like a guerilla war against a shadowy, moving target.

Van Aller explained that knocking out one enemy base may just move the battle to another front. He added that ISIS is still deeply rooted in Syria and Iraq, and a big bomb in Afghanistan may not do much damage to their fighting force. Van Aller said it’s critical for the United States to look at the bigger picture and have a strategy to fight ISIS after the fallout settles from the recent attack.

[Expert: Major bomb strike in Afghanistan sends loud message to ISIS]

“We sometimes see in American history a tendency to use firepower as a solution to complex social questions. It’s very satisfying because we like our technology,” Van Aller said. “But ultimately, it’s an iffy question about whether it will make a real difference.”

Church security concerns

The massive military strike came just one day before Good Friday, which is one of the most solemn of holy days for Christians.

(Click PLAY to watch 5 things to know about the MOAB)

Channel 9 visited St. Matthew Catholic Church in Ballantyne, one of the largest Catholic churches in country. Member Antoinette Usher said security has been a concern at the church for many years, especially now during some of the holiest of days for Christianity.

“For Christian faiths, the foundation of Christianity is right now. And why wouldn’t you think, if you’re going to target somebody,” Usher said.

Members at St. Matthew don’t believe the church will be the focus of some kind of retaliation on Easter weekend. But there is concern for Christian churches around the world after two were attacked by suicide bombers in Egypt last Sunday.

Despite the concern, there is an equal measure of compassion. St. Matthew member Tracy McGinnis said she will bring prayers of peace this Easter.

“This is probably the best time to take some time to reflect. That’s what this week is all about,” McGinnis said.

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