A new U.S. military aid package for Ukraine will include controversial weapons known as cluster munitions, or cluster bombs, deadly armaments that have been banned by more than 120 nations for putting civilians at risk.
Ukraine has sought cluster bombs to use against invading Russian forces. The weapons can be dropped from aircraft or fired from the ground, breaking apart and dispersing explosive “bomblets” in midair. The bomblets explode when they hit the ground.
But 10% to 40% of the bomblets fail to detonate on impact, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross. The unexploded devices can lie undetected for years, similar to land mines, and can kill civilians who find them later. Thousands have been killed or injured.
What are cluster bombs?
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An announcement from the Biden administration confirming cluster munitions as part of the $800 million aid package was made Friday.
The Pentagon said it will provide Ukraine bombs with a reduced “dud rate,” meaning the weapons will have fewer unexploded rounds that could kill civilians, The Associated Press reported.
What nations have banned cluster bombs?
International treaty bans the use, transfer, manufacture and stockpiling of cluster munitions under the Convention on Cluster Munitions adopted in 2008. Though more than 123 nations have signed the treaty, Russia, Ukraine and the United States have not.
The Pentagon says the weapons are needed because they allow a smaller force with fewer weapons to take on a larger adversary, USA TODAY reported.
Russia was accused of using cluster munitions against Ukraine in February 2022.
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SOURCE USA TODAY Network reporting and research; Associated Press; Convention on Cluster Munitions; International Committee of the Red Cross