Russia says US dropped phosphorus bombs

Russia says US dropped 

phosphorus bombs over 

Syria, which Pentagon 

denies

September 10, 2018 at 12:33 am | Published in: Asia & Americas, Europe & Russia, Iran, Middle East, News, Russia, Syria, Turkey, US

White phosphorus munitions [File photo]

September 10, 2018 at 12:33 am

Russia’s military said on Sunday that two US F-15 fighter jets dropped phosphorus bombs over Syria’s Deir al-Zor province on Saturday, the TASS and RIA news agencies reported, an allegation the United States denied, Reuters reports.

The air strikes targeted the village of Hajin, the last major stronghold of Daesh in Syria, and resulted in fires, but there was no information about casualties, the Russian military said.

A Pentagon spokesman denied that US planes dropped phosphorus bombs. “At this time, we have not received any reports of any use of white phosphorous,” said Commander Sean Robertson. “None of the military units in the area are even equipped with white phosphorous munitions of any kind.”

Human rights groups have said the US-led coalition against Daesh 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 criticise the use of the munitions in populated zones because they can kill and maim by burning people to the bone.

US has seen evidence of Syria preparing chemical weapons in Idlib

The coalition or partner forces likely conducted aerial strikes in July on eastern Syria where remnants of Daesh are holed up, the coalition has said.

US-Russian tensions have heightened in recent days as the Trump administration considers military options should Syria ignore US warnings against using chemical weapons in an expected assault on Idlib, the last big enclave of rebels opposing Syria’s government.

Russian and Syrian jets resumed strikes in Idlib and Hama on Sunday as Damascus stepped up its assault after a Russian-Iranian-Turkish summit failed to agree on a ceasefire.

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180910-russia-says-us-dropped-phosphorus-bombs-over-syria-which-pentagon-denies/