The Use of White Phosphorus in Mosul and Raqqa Confirmed by the US-Led Coalition General

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White phosphorus blazes when it comes into contact with oxygen and is considered to have massive civilian causalities.
Reports about the use of white phosphorus were confirmed by a New Zealand general, a section of the US-led coalition. It occurs after recurrent criticism in the recent days about the use of munitions loaded with white phosphorus in the claimed war against “Daesh” , backed by Saudi Arabia.

In a talk with the US broadcaster NRP, New Zealand’s Brig. Gen. Hugh McAslan claimed that the use of white phosphorus was committed to safeguard the civilians trying to flee the “Dash” forces, backed by Saudi Arabia. The claim is made while all humanitarian communities warned about the danger and harassment that the deployment of these munition could make for the civilians.

“We have utilized white phosphorous to screen areas within west Mosul to get civilians out safely,” said McAslan in the talk. This is the first time a military official confirms the use of white phosphorus in city areas.

This is while Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticized the coalition for using what is described as the ‘controversial type of munitions.’ Steve Goose, arms director at HRW said last Wednesday:

No matter how white phosphorus is used, it poses a high risk of horrific and long-lasting harm in crowded cities like Raqqa and Mosul and any other areas with concentrations of civilians. US-led forces should take all feasible precautions to minimize civilian harm when using white phosphorus in Iraq and Syria.

Besides Mosul, the use of white phosphorus was also reported in Raqqa in Syria. Footages also shows the use of these chemicals in Mosul on June 3 and in Raqqa on June 8. white phosphorus is considered illegal by international conventions due to “Horrific civilian harm.”

White phosphorus blazes when in contact with oxygen producing high temperature and white smoke. These sub munitions and their effects can remain in the body of people for days and reignite when it comes into contact with oxygen again on the body by the change of a piece of clothing or other ways. The heat ascended by phosphorus can burn the bones and decompose the body.

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