Seems reactive. The Bad Guys will be gone by then. Yeah, it is a BIG area but why can't small teams been randomly inserted in areas, stay a few day, pick off a few, and be picked up?
What about drones carrying mini guns? Puree the buggers on site or keep them pinned down until our troops get there?
Really, though- who is to say this is want we are actually doing? I can't believe we (that is an editorial, military "we") would give the other team our game plans by revealing them to someone in their PR department (i.e., the global press). Then again, some people want everyone - journalists included - to love 'em... I hope this is not one of those instances.
The .50 BMG concussion blurb sounds sort of like the older kid next door telling you that the local wayfreight can suck you in if you are too close to the tracks, knowing full well that all the track is 10 MPH.