From interviews with Clara and Gaska, the RPG put that in as just a tongue and cheek reference to the event mentioned in the novel Alien Nightmare Asylum by Steve Perry. Have no idea why the recent novels are mentioning it so much...
The article is an abridged version, the RPG fleshes out the events in more detail and it doesn't seem that ridiculous when the whole thing is read. Besides, it's not like the USA has never used 2 nukes on another country... With crazy times and batshit leaders, I can totally see that happening.