cluster bombs

Cluster bombs are composed of a hollow shell with up to 2,000 bomblets within it, hence the term "cluster." Bomblets can be anything from propaganda leaflets to antipersonnel mines. A single cluster bomb can typically scatter smaller explosives over an area approaching a square kilometer.

All too often, the cluster bombs leave behind unexploded bomblets, either by accident or by design. As a result, large areas of former conflict zones become uninhabitable. The failure rate for cluster bombs can be up to 80 percent. Consequently, civilians, often children, are the victims of unexploded cluster bomblets. Some of the bomblets are painted bright colors to warn off civilians. One type of American cluster bomb currently in use in Afghanistan (the BLU-97/B) has bright yellow bomblets, the same color as humanitarian ration packs that have been distributed to civilians by U.S. forces. This has led to hundreds of civilian deaths and woundings. In fact, it has been estimated that more civilians have been killed or wounded by cluster munitions than military personnel.

In May of 2008, the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) was adopted by the UN. Parties to the CCM are obliged to never use, produce, or induce another state to use cluster munitions. To date, 30 nations are parties to the CCM and 79 others have signed with the intention of ratifying. However, despite the treaty coming into effect with ratification by 30 states, the largest producers and users of cluster munitions, the U.S., Russia, China, India, Israel, Pakistan, and Brazil, have shown no intention of becoming parties to the CCM.

More information on WMM:

Dense Inert Metal Explosives (DIME)

White Phosphorus

Depleted Uranium (DU)

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