Key Facts
• On June 19, Iran launched ballistic missiles targeting Israel.
• Reports suggest a ‘cluster warhead’ was used, dispersing submunitions mid-air.
• One missile released 20 submunitions at 7 km altitude, impacting an 8 km radius.
• Submunitions lack propulsion, falling randomly with small-scale explosions.
• Cluster munitions have been used in conflicts like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
• The Oslo Treaty (2010) bans cluster munitions; over 100 countries have joined.
• The U.S., Israel, and Iran have not signed the treaty.
• Cluster munitions often leave unexploded ordnance, endangering civilians.
Summary
On June 19, Iran reportedly used a ‘cluster warhead’ in a ballistic missile attack on Israel, according to the Times of Israel. The warhead dispersed 20 submunitions at an altitude of 7 km, impacting an 8 km radius. These submunitions, lacking propulsion, fell randomly and caused smaller explosions compared to missiles. Cluster munitions, known for their civilian risks due to unexploded ordnance, have been used in other conflicts, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite the 2010 Oslo Treaty banning their use, the U.S., Israel, and Iran have not joined the agreement. This incident highlights ongoing tensions and the humanitarian concerns surrounding such weaponry.
