In the ongoing pursuit of innovative therapeutic solutions of cancers, we proposed a novel strategy of “nano-bombs”, which combines the character of real explosive hexogen (RDX) and the superior photothermal conversion efficiency of gold nanorods (GNRs), for achieving cellular-level destruction. The electrospray technique was used to fabricate nanoscale RDX/GNRs bombs, yielding quasi-spherical 200-500 nm particles with optical absorbance at 835 nm. A near-infrared femto-second laser with a lower fluence activated nano-bombs and destroyed the cell-simulating microcapsules, without significant temperature rise. The underlying mechanism in-volves that GNRs localize the laser energy to form the hotspot necessary for RDX thermal explosion, leading to the microbubble formation of gas products and subsequently collapse that yield mechanical damage. This approach is distinct from conventional photo-thermal and photoacoustic methods, and might possess additional therapeutic benefits from the gaseous products. This work not only illuminates fresh insights on photoacoustic therapy, but also broadens the application scope of energetic materials.