Human rights activists: Moscow and Damascus are using incendiary weapons
Human Rights Watch claims that Moscow and Damascus are using incendiary ammunition in areas where civilians live. It was noted in the statement, published on August 16 on the HRW website, that such actions are a violation of international law. According to the organization, Russian and Syrian servicemen used incendiary ammunition at least 18 times during attacks on the Syrian opposition in the cities of Aleppo and Idlib.
The Syrian and Russian governments should immediately cease attacks using incendiary ammunition in the areas where civilians live, the director of Human Rights Watch’s Arms Division, Steve Goose, said in his statement. Steve Goose noted that these types of weapons cause horrible bodily injuries and excruciating pain.
HRW reiterates that the use of incendiary ammunition violates Protocol III of the “Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects.” Human Rights Watch calls on the countries that have signed this document to condemn the actions of Moscow and Damascus and urge them to join the meeting that will take place on August 29.
As human rights activists claim, the accusations are based on photos and videos made during and after the attacks. According to HRW, no less than 12 civilians have suffered as a result of the use of incendiary ammunition.