More lies? US-led coalition denies using white phosphorus in airstrikes on Deir ez-Zor

Sputnik
Mon, 10 Sep 2018 15:59 UTC

© Sputnik / Mikhail Alaeddin

On Monday the US-led coalition refuted accusations of using prohibited phosphorus munitions is the Syrian province of Deir ez-Zor.

"At this time, we have not received any reports of any use of white phosphorous. None of the military units in the area are even equipped with white phosphorous munitions of any kind," the coalition's spokesperson told Sputnik.

The spokesperson was commenting on the statement, made on Sunday by the head of the Russian Center for Syrian reconciliation, Vladimir Savchenko, who had said that two US F-15 jets carried out airstrikes on September 8 in the Syrian province of Deir ez-Zor using internationally-prohibited phosphorus munitions.

Comment: 2 US jets strike Syrian town with banned white phosphorus bombs - Russian Defense Ministry - UPDATE

This is not the first time the coalition forces are accused of using white phosphorus munitions banned under Additional Protocol to the 1949 Geneva Conventions. Last year, Damascus blamed the international forces for airstrikes with the use of white phosphorus, which claimed the lives of six civilians, including three children.

The coalition airstrikes are not ratified by the UN or the Syrian government.

Comment: Considering the Empire's propensity for outright lies and disregard for human life, such denials are highly questionable. The coalition has previously been caught using white phosphorus in both Iraq and Syria:

• New Zealand general confirms US-led coalition used white phosphorus in Mosul amid mounting criticism
• It's not terrorism when we do it: US drops chemical weapons on Raqqa - admits it, gives facile excuse - to "screen and mark" targets