Fuel-air bombs, for example.
I love FAE bombs!
All the boom for a fraction of the price.
I heard they create such a vacuum that when detonated near caves in Tora Bora they would literally suck the people out of the cave
I would pay money to see that.
Although this story isn't true, the lesson still applies: NASA spent millions of dollars creating a pen that could write upside down in space, the Russians simply brought pencils.
I figure this is a case of where Russia is going to do the most effective and inexpensive measure to get the job done the first time. Nukes that are sitting around collecting dust would be an effective, inexpensive, and conclusive measure. While nukes aren't cheap, but they are already made and just sitting in inventory which is costing them.
Has a fuel-air bomb ever been used in war?
The advantage of tactical nuclear is that they kill the terrorists, but leave the structures and equipment in place.
If they need more perhaps we can unload a few dozen MOABs’ for a good price.
Take away their water. No nukes needed. FAEs not needed either.