Casualties From Cluster Bombs More Than Doubled In 2016

Cluster munition attacks on opposition-held areas of Syria have continued unabated, activists say

New York Times: Casualties From Cluster Bombs More Than Doubled Last Year, Treaty Monitor Says

Casualties from cluster munitions, internationally outlawed weapons that kill indiscriminately, more than doubled in 2016 compared with the previous year, a disarmament group that monitors their use reported on Thursday.

The group, the Cluster Munition Coalition, said nearly 1,000 people had been killed or injured by the bombs, which are banned by international treaty. Most of the increase was attributed to the six-and-a-half-year-old war in Syria, where use of cluster munitions by the military was documented early in the conflict and appeared to have escalated last year with Russia’s support.

Dozens of other deaths and injuries last year were attributed to the Saudi-led bombing of Yemen and lethal remnants buried in Laos from the intensive American bombing of that country during the Vietnam War era, the group said.

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Update #1: Casualties from cluster munitions doubled in 2016 (BBC)
Update #2: Report: Cluster Munitions in Syria, Yemen Increase Civilian Casualties (VOA)

WNU Editor: The Cluster Munition Coalition's report is here.