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August 22, 2006

American-Supplied Cluster Bombs Wreaking Havoc on Civilians

Israel and Lebanon may have gone into a temporary cease-fire mode after 33 days of fighting, but that doesn't mean an end to war-related injuries. This story explains how unexploded bombs are still injuring and killing Lebanese civilians, including some heartbreaking stories of children and an elderly woman who were simply going about their daily business.

The south is carpeted with unexploded cluster bombs, innocuous looking black canisters, barely larger than a torch battery, which pose a deadly threat to villagers stumbling back to their homes. Mine-clearing teams scrambling across the region have logged 89 cluster bomb sites so far, and expect to find about 110 more. Meanwhile, casualties are being taken into hospital — four dead and 21 injured so far. Officials fear the toll could eventually stretch into the thousands…

The bombs are ejected from artillery shells in mid-flight, showering a wide area with explosions that can kill within 10 metres. But up to a quarter fail to explode, creating minefields that kill civilians once the war is over. … In Tibnin, 210 bombs were found around the town hospital.

Unfortunately, these cluster bombs were provided to Israel by the U.S. Americans may not realize our country is responsible for this sort of weaponry, but the victims know it.

Posted by Becky at August 22, 2006 09:44 AM