“By the way, phosphorus bombs were used this morning. Russian phosphorus bombs. Adults were killed again and children were killed again,” Zelensky said. Their use has not been independently confirmed, but the news has raised concerns that Russia may escalate its tactics by launching a highly destructive and annoying type of weapon as its ground invasion stops due to logistical problems and fierce Ukrainian resistance.
What is white phosphorus?
White phosphorus is a wax-like chemical, often yellowish or colorless, that some people say smells like garlic. It ignites immediately when it comes in contact with oxygen and its main function in weapons is to burn, quickly and brightly. Used in incendiary ammunition by soldiers around the world, including the United States, often to illuminate targets as part of night ammunition tracker. White phosphorus is also used to create smoke curtains during the day, as it removes a huge amount of smoke when burned. The U.S. military launches white phosphorous smoke shields as part of a patrol early in the morning on November 6, 2004, on the outskirts of Fallujah, Iraq. Scott Nelson / Getty Images It can cause fires that burn quickly and spread quickly to the ground and when ignited, white phosphorus is extremely difficult to extinguish. The substance adheres to many surfaces, including skin and clothing. All these qualities make it extremely dangerous for citizens. White phosphorus can cause deep burns, even in the bones, and can flare up after initial treatment. “Incendiary weapons cause catastrophic burns in far worse ways than any of the typical burn or fire burns,” said Dr. Rola Hallam, a doctor who treated victims of incendiary weapons in Syria, in a Human Rights Watch report. “They can burn through everything. If they can burn through metal, what hope does the human flesh have?”
So is the use of war a crime?
Due to its inflammatory effects, the use of phosphorus in war is supposed to be strictly regulated by international law – but it is not prohibited. Phosphorus is not classified as a chemical weapon under the Chemical Weapons Convention. When used as a weapon, it can cause fire to hit targets, causing indiscriminate damage. Therefore, it is illegal to use phosphorus near civilians, because international law requires fighters to distinguish between political and military elements. According to Human Rights Watch, civilian casualties have been reported from the use of white phosphorus in war zones around the world, including Syria, Afghanistan, Gaza and elsewhere. The group has called on world leaders to close gaps in the international agreement governing incendiary weapons or to ban them altogether, but says “a small number of countries have hindered progress.” Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced this week that the United States considered “members of the Russian forces to have committed war crimes in Ukraine” and noted “credible reports of indiscriminate attacks and deliberate attacks on civilians” – but did not include any reference to allegations. the use of white phosphorus. More Haley Ott Haley Ott is a digital reporter / producer for CBS News based in London.
