Syrian forces are using cluster bombs - the scattershot munitions banned by most nations - to fight rebel gains in the crisis-hit country, the Human Rights Watch claimed.
The 19-month-old conflict in the country has escalated to a civil war situation and the forces are now accused of using the cluster munitions on it civilians. Many of the strikes were near the main highway that runs through Ma'arat al-Nu'man, the site of a major confrontation between government and rebel forces this week, the rights group said.
Making the allegations, the group cited videos posted online by Syrian activists on October 9-12, which showed cluster munition remnants in or near the towns of al-Tah, Tamane'a, Ma'arat al-Nu'man and Taftanaz, in the Northern governorate of Idlib, Eastern Bouwayda and al-Salloumiyyeh in Homs governorate, Tel Rifaat in Aleppo governorate, the countryside in Lattakia governorate, and Eastern Ghouta, near Damascus. The cluster bomb canisters and submunition were dropped from planes and helicopters, the report claims.
At least 18 videos have been posted on YouTube by Syrian activists showing the aftermath of the cluster munition strikes in recent days. "Syria's disregard for its civilian population is all too evident in its air campaign, which now apparently includes dropping these deadly cluster bombs into populated areas," said Steve Goose, arms director at Human Rights Watch.
A total of 77 countries have banned the use of cluster bombs during a Convention on Cluster Munitions; however, countries including Sysria, Russia, China and the United States are yet to ratify the ban.
