Russian military forces have used cluster munitions – a highly controversial weapon banned by many countries – against at least two civilian targets during its …
Russian military forces have used cluster munitions – a highly controversial weapon banned by many countries – against at least two civilian targets during its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, according to two international humanitarian organizations. Seven people died and 11 were injured in the bombings attributed to Russia, which has been known to use cluster munitions in warfare, possibly as recently as two years ago in Syria. « Russian forces should stop using cluster munitions and end unlawful attacks with weapons that indiscriminately kill and maim, » Steve Goose, arms director of Human Rights Watch, said in a statement. Once fired, cluster munitions open in mid-air and rain down dozens or even hundreds of smaller sub-munitions, or « bomblets, » over a large area the size of one or more football fields. The munitions are notoriously difficult to control, striking nearby targets indiscriminately, which is why international human rights groups say they shouldn’t be used anywhere near civilian populations, if at all.
