Kinetic Limited Strikes in Preventing Nuclearization: Lessons from the Operation Epic Fury

BIPSS Research Assistant Nazmul Islam Mahmud examines Operation Epic Fury by questioning whether a large-scale kinetic campaign can effectively destroy a mature, fortified nuclear program, or if it will merely deepen the threat and trigger a regional conflict that could destabilize the international order intended to safeguard it. He concludes that the humanitarian impact of the war has become a major concern, especially regarding violations of international humanitarian law (IHL).