Table of Contents
Can white phosphorus be used in war?
White phosphorus has been used since World War I both as an incendiary agent and for creating smoke screens or smoke signals. Munitions containing white phosphorus were used extensively in World War II , the Vietnam War, and the Korea War, including as an anti-personnel weapon.
What does white phosphorus do in war?
White phosphorus is primarily designed to take advantage of its smoke-producing properties to mark or illuminate targets, mask friendly force movement, and the like. The incendiary effects of WP are incidental to the illuminant and smoke effects it is designed to produce.
Was white phosphorus used in ww1?
World War I, the inter-war period and World War II During the war, white phosphorus mortar bombs, shells, rockets, and grenades were used extensively by American, Commonwealth, and, to a lesser extent, Japanese forces, in both smoke-generating and antipersonnel roles.
Did IDF use white phosphorus?
A report by Human Rights Watch shows that the IDF used white phosphorus munitions during a 22-day military operation in Gaza, from December 27, 2008 to January 18, 2009, named Operation Cast Lead. In 2013, Israel said it would stop using white phosphorus munitions to create smokescreens on the battlefield.
Does white phosphorus violate the Geneva Convention?
White phosphorus munitions can be used on battlefields to make smoke screens, generate illumination, mark targets or burn bunkers and buildings. Because it has legal uses, white phosphorus is not banned as a chemical weapon under international conventions.
Was there white phosphorus in ww2?
During World War II, white phosphorus mortar bombs, shells, rockets and grenades were used extensively by American, Commonwealth, and, to a lesser extent, Japanese forces, in both smoke-generating and antipersonnel roles.
Can I own white phosphorus?
It is unlawful for any person knowingly or intentionally to possess or distribute red phosphorus, white phosphorus, or hypophosphorous acid, knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, these substances will be used to illegally manufacture methamphetamine.