U.S. Forces Using White Phosphorus In The War Against The Islamic State

U.S. Army soldiers with Battery C, 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, Task Force Strike, execute a fire mission in northern Iraq on Aug. 14 2016. White Phosphorus smoke rounds are pictured in the right-hand corner. (1st Lt. Daniel Johnson/U.S. Army)

Washington Post: U.S. forces are using white phosphorus munitions in Iraq but it’s unclear exactly how

U.S. forces are using white phosphorus munitions in their fight against the Islamic State based on pictures and videos posted online by the Pentagon, but it is unclear exactly how the controversial armament is being employed.

White phosphorus shells are intended to make smoke screens or signals for advancing troops. When launched against soldiers and civilians, however, the munition can cause severe burn wounds that can be dangerous for medical personnel treating the injured.

International humanitarian law stipulates that white phosphorus munitions should only be used in areas devoid of civilians. Even using it against enemy combatants has raised concerns, given that the munitions can cause horrific injuries.

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Update #1: U.S. has used white phosphorus in Iraq (Digital Journal)
Update #2: US troops use white phosphorus in Iraq to ‘obscure’ Kurdish forces – newspaper (RT)

WNU Editor: The Americans are not the only ones who are using white phosphorous .... Saudi Arabia is using it in Yemen .... Saudi Arabia appears to be using U.S.-supplied white phosphorus in its war in Yemen (Washington Post) .... and Russian/Syrian forces are using it .... Footage shows warplanes pounding Aleppo with white phosphorus munitions say activists (IBTimes).

Update #3: This is why White Phosphorous is temping to use .... 'Tempting for armies to use white phosphorous as a weapon' (RT).

Update #4: The U.S. has a history of using a portable version of a white phosphorous weapon in Afghanistan .... U.S. Denies Incendiary Weapon Use in Afghanistan (September 9, 2009). Even the Afghan Taliban have been accused of using White Phosphorous .... Taleban Using White Phosphorus, Some Of It Made In Britain (May 12, 2009).

Update: More news on the past and present U.S. use of white phosphorous can be seen in the video below.