Britain will scrap some bombs for safety
- Share via
From the Associated Press
LONDON — Britain on Tuesday ordered its military to stop using cluster bombs that lack self-destruct mechanisms, a move aimed at preventing the weapons from harming civilians.
Defense Secretary Des Browne said the weapons, also known as dumb cluster bombs, would be withdrawn immediately and destroyed.
Cluster bombs disperse hundreds of “bomblets.” Unexploded bomblets can lie dormant for years until disturbed.
The military will continue to use “smart” cluster bombs, which can self-destruct, Browne told lawmakers in a statement.
More to Read
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.