Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 bans the use of weapons with white phosphorus.
Yesterday, Russian military stated that two U.S. F-15 fighter jets attacked Syria’s Deir al-Zor province with phosphorus bombs. The U.S. denies it, as Reuters reports.
“At this time, we have not received any reports of any use of white phosphorous. None of the military units in the area are even equipped with white phosphorous munitions of any kind,” Commander Sean Robertson said.
Reuters, citing the news agencies TACC and RIA, reports that the airstrikes were targeted at the village of Hajin, the last major stronghold of Islamic State in Syria, which lead to fires. No reports on victims made.
“Human rights groups have said the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State has used white phosphorous munitions over the course of the Syria conflict. The bombs can create thick white smoke screens and are used as incendiary devices. The rights groups criticize use of the munitions in populated zones because they can kill and maim by burning people to the bone,” the news agency reads.
“U.S.-Russian tensions have heightened in recent days as the Trump administration considers military options should Syria ignore U.S. warnings against using chemical weapons in an expected assault on Idlib, the last big enclave of rebels opposing Syria’s government,” the message says.
Earlier, on September 5, 13 civilians died as a result of Russia’s airstrikes in Syria. Washington is ready to launch a strike at Syria, if the Syrian authorities will use the chemical weapons.
