Syrian Crisis: UN concerned by reports of incendiary bombs in Aleppo

UN concerned by reports of incendiary bombs in Syria

The UN on Friday expressed concern about reports of incendiary bombs being used in Syria, but was not able to verify these reports.

Concerned were raised hours after an opposition group to Assad regime claimed the bombs were used in Russian airstrikes that killed at least one dozen civilians in Aleppo.

“While we’re not in a position to verify these reports, it is important to note that Protocol 3 of the Convention on Conventional Weapons prohibits the use of air-delivered incendiary weapons in areas containing concentrations of civilians.” UN Secretary General’s deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters.

“We expect that all parties and states involved in the conflict will refrain from their use in this way,” Haq said.

Incendiary weapons or bombs are designed to cause fires in targeted areas.


Read More: Russian jets attack Aleppo with Napalm and white phosphorus


Syrian opposition accuses Russia of using incendiary bombs

Earlier Friday, the Syrian National Coalition claimed 12 civilians were killed in airstrikes by Russian military jets, citing activists on the ground.

On its website, the group contends that Russia used thermobaric and vacuum bombs in its attacks, as well as cluster munitions, ballistic and cruise missiles.

It also claims that a number of videos surfaced showing airstrikes on civilian-populated areas.

The Syrian opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC) called on United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday to launch an investigation into its accusations that Russia has repeatedly used air-delivered incendiary weapons in Syria.

“Russian air forces have repeatedly deployed incendiary weapons and cluster munitions to kill, main and terrorise Syrian civilians, including in at least 10 documented incidents,” Riad Hijab, coordinator of the opposition HNC, wrote to Ban.

“They have violated the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons and breached international humanitarian law,” he wrote.

Hijab said that “thermite, which ignites while falling, has been likened to ’mini-nuclear bombs’ and was deployed repeatedly by Russian forces in residential areas.” He also said Russian forces used cluster munitions.