texas grass
09-02-2008, 02:30 PM
Georgia admits using cluster bombs
Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:21:32 GMT
Cluster bombs
Georgian Defense Ministry has admitted it used cluster bombs in the recent Caucasus conflict in South Ossetia, Human Rights Watch says.
In reply to a Human Rights Watch inquiry, the Georgian Defense Ministry wrote that Georgia used cluster bombs in the breakaway province of South Ossetia because Russian forces had allegedly used the same against Georgian troops, an accusation that Russia denies, AFP reported.
In the letter, Georgia military officials admitted to using M85 type of cluster bombs in four villages in South Ossetia. Human Rights Watch said there is "firm evidence" that two more types of cluster munitions, including the PTAB 2.5M, were used near the Roki tunnel that links Russia and South Ossetia.
Cluster bombs explode in mid-air and scatter hundreds of smaller bombs that can act as landmines. In an international convention in Ireland last May, 111 countries banned the use of such weapons.
Conflict broke out on August 7 between Russia and Georgia after Georgian troops opened fire on the Russian army which was on a UN peacekeeping mandate in South Ossetia.
Georgia does not recognize the independence of South Ossetia
Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:21:32 GMT
Cluster bombs
Georgian Defense Ministry has admitted it used cluster bombs in the recent Caucasus conflict in South Ossetia, Human Rights Watch says.
In reply to a Human Rights Watch inquiry, the Georgian Defense Ministry wrote that Georgia used cluster bombs in the breakaway province of South Ossetia because Russian forces had allegedly used the same against Georgian troops, an accusation that Russia denies, AFP reported.
In the letter, Georgia military officials admitted to using M85 type of cluster bombs in four villages in South Ossetia. Human Rights Watch said there is "firm evidence" that two more types of cluster munitions, including the PTAB 2.5M, were used near the Roki tunnel that links Russia and South Ossetia.
Cluster bombs explode in mid-air and scatter hundreds of smaller bombs that can act as landmines. In an international convention in Ireland last May, 111 countries banned the use of such weapons.
Conflict broke out on August 7 between Russia and Georgia after Georgian troops opened fire on the Russian army which was on a UN peacekeeping mandate in South Ossetia.
Georgia does not recognize the independence of South Ossetia