Operation HAMMER-DOWN was the codename for a massive bomb (likely a Multiple Ordnance Air Bomb or Neutron bomb) that was used in attempt to kill the monster. After using the bomb, Manhatten was leveled. When it was used, all of Manhatten turned into a Cloverfield (hence the name of the movie), because clover is the first plant to grow after a nuclear bomb. This is the mystery of the movie.

Weapon Type Edit

It could be that the weapon used in the bombing of Operation HAMMER-DOWN was a Neutron bomb. This is a type of tactical nuclear weapon which has a very limited blast range but releases deadly neutron radiation beyond the blast range. Neutron bombs have a limited yield, typically delivers one kiloton. This weapon is more effective against armored targets than other nuclear weapons, because it emits large amounts of lethal radiation of the most penetrating kind.^[1] The use of this type of weapon is purely speculation at this time.

However, the EMP blast from any nuclear weapon would render the camera inoperable, so it is more likely that a Multiple Ordance Air Bomb (a powerful conventional bomb that has the destructive power of a nuclear weapon without the radiation and EMP side-effects, aka "Mother of All Bombs") was dropped on the creature.

Whatever the weapon was, its effect on the monster is still unknown. The whisper at the end of the credits states "it's still alive", but J.J. Abramms stated in an interview with Rolling Stones that "ultimately, the bombings kill him." Perhaps Abramms said that to keep an air of mystery about the monster's fate. Is Clover really dead, or is he just mortally wounded but still able to wreak even more destruction? If Abramms confirms a sequel, then that means the monster "is still alive".

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