All articles tagged with #cluster munitions
The Houthis' use of cluster munitions in ballistic missile strikes against Israel marks a significant escalation, highlighting advancements in proxy warfare, regional threats, and challenges to Israel's air defense systems, with implications for strategic deterrence and civil resilience.
The IDF launched strikes in Yemen after confirming that Houthi rebels used banned cluster munitions in a missile attack on Israel, marking the first known use of such weapons by Houthis against Israel, prompting retaliatory strikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen.
Israel's military accused Iran of launching a missile armed with cluster munitions into Israel, marking the first use of such weapons in the current conflict. Evidence suggests the missile contained submunitions, which are controversial and banned by over 100 countries, though not by Iran or Israel. The attack caused no fatalities but resulted in unexploded bomblets scattered across the area, raising concerns about civilian safety. The incident highlights ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran amid a broader regional conflict.
Iran launched a missile containing cluster submunitions at Israel, marking the first use of such weapons in the current conflict, with the aim of increasing civilian casualties; Israel condemned the attack, highlighting the dangers of unexploded ordnance and the controversial nature of cluster bombs, which are not banned by Iran or Israel.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to use the new Oreshnik hypersonic missile to target Kyiv, escalating tensions as Russia continues to attack Ukraine's energy infrastructure with cluster munitions. This comes in response to Ukraine's use of Western long-range missiles against Russian targets. The attacks have led to widespread power outages in Ukraine, with President Zelenskyy calling for more Western air defense systems to protect the country's energy facilities. Despite the damage, Ukraine's air defense claims to have intercepted 90% of incoming missiles.
Ukraine's Armed Forces launched a significant missile strike using cluster munitions on a Russian military base in Luhansk, causing extensive fires and explosions. The attack targeted buildings and an airfield used by Russian forces, with reports indicating the use of US-made ATACMS missiles. Despite Russian air defenses, many missiles hit their targets, leading to a massive blaze. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage assessments.
A significant escalation in the conflict in Syria has occurred, with more than 15 cities, towns, and villages in North-West Syria, including Idlib province, being targeted with shelling. Bellingcat's analysis of footage and images revealed the use of incendiary weapons, cluster munitions, and Grad rockets impacting civilian infrastructure such as mosques, schools, and camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The shelling, which began on October 5, has been described as the largest escalation of hostilities in Syria in four years. The attacks have resulted in numerous casualties, injuries, and displacement of over 120,000 people.
The Biden administration is nearing a decision to provide Ukraine with ATACMS long-range missiles armed with cluster bomblets, which could allow Ukraine to strike targets behind Russian front lines. The cluster-armed ATACMS missiles are more plentiful than those with a single warhead and are no longer considered a front-line U.S. weapon. The decision comes as the U.S. announced an additional $325 million in weapons for Ukraine, including cluster munitions, artillery ammunition, and anti-armor capabilities. The use of cluster munitions has drawn criticism due to the risk they pose to civilians, but the Pentagon has stated that the dud rate of the munitions being sent to Ukraine is low.
The United States plans to send more cluster munitions to Ukraine to support its counteroffensive against Russian forces, despite widespread condemnation and concerns about the long-term threat to civilians. Cluster munitions have been banned by over 100 countries due to their devastating effects on civilians who inadvertently trigger unexploded bombs. While some Ukrainian troops view the munitions as a powerful addition to their arsenal, others argue that they are largely ineffective against the dug-in Russian positions. With NATO states' ammunition stockpiles running low, cluster munitions may be one of the only available means to refill Ukraine's supply. Critics argue that these weapons are prohibited due to the harm inflicted on civilians.
Activists are concerned about the erosion of support for the Convention on Cluster Munitions after the US decision to send cluster munitions to Ukraine for its fight against Russia. The annual report by the Cluster Munitions Coalition highlights the harm caused to civilians by these weapons, with civilians accounting for 95% of cluster munition casualties recorded last year. The report also notes efforts by countries like Bulgaria, Peru, and Slovakia to destroy their stockpiles of cluster munitions. While the US argues that the transfer could help Ukraine in its offensive, human rights groups criticize the decision and hope that signatories to the convention will not weaken their position.
Ukrainians are repurposing U.S.-made cluster munition artillery shells by extracting the submunition bomblets inside to use as improvised weapons for small drones. Video footage shows personnel from a Ukrainian drone unit dismantling an M483A1 155mm artillery shell and arming the submunitions. The use of improvised bomblets dropped from drones has been successful for Ukrainian forces. The demand for 155mm artillery rounds is high in Ukraine, and repurposing these shells provides additional munitions for drone strikes. Safety concerns and the U.S. response to this unconventional use remain uncertain.
The cluster munitions provided by the US to Ukraine are playing a significant role in the country's counteroffensive against the Russian invasion. Ukrainian forces have used these munitions to break through Russian defenses, such as trenches and vehicle groups. Despite some progress, Russian missiles continue to target Ukrainian cities, and civilian areas have been repeatedly struck throughout the war. The use of cluster munitions has been controversial, with many countries prohibiting their use due to humanitarian concerns.
American-made cluster munitions have provided Ukraine with renewed momentum in their efforts to reclaim territory captured by Russia, following a period of limited progress. The newly delivered munitions have been effective in destroying Russian trenches and artillery systems, bolstering Ukraine's counteroffensive.
A university building in Donetsk, a Russia-controlled city in eastern Ukraine, caught fire following alleged shelling by Ukrainian forces. The Russia-installed mayor reported that the University of Economics and Trade building was engulfed in flames, with the wooden roof completely on fire. The Russia-installed emergency minister claimed that Ukrainian forces used cluster munitions in the attack, but this information could not be independently verified. Both sides have been accused of using cluster munitions during the ongoing conflict. There has been no immediate comment from Ukraine regarding the alleged shelling.
A university building in Donetsk, a city in eastern Ukraine controlled by Russia, caught fire following alleged Ukrainian shelling. The Russia-installed mayor reported that the University of Economics and Trade building was engulfed in flames, with the wooden roof completely on fire. The Russia-installed emergency minister claimed that Ukrainian forces used cluster munitions in the attack, but this information could not be independently verified. Both sides have been accused of using cluster munitions during the ongoing conflict. There has been no immediate comment from Ukraine regarding the alleged shelling.