<p>Russia is angry with the West after the US and Britain announced a controversial move to give&nbsp;depleted uranium (DU) tank rounds to Ukraine. Moscow said Washington would be responsible for any negative lingering impact of the munitions' use.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Britain's announcement that it would provide such ammunition to Ukraine was denounced by Russia as a "serious" escalation of the war. The Pentagon, meanwhile,&nbsp;said it would provide Ukraine with the rounds as part of a $1 billion aid package.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Depleted uranium munitions are controversial because of their links to various health and environmental problems such as cancer and birth defects in areas where they were used.</p>

<p>Such cases have been reported in past conflicts, but some reports say that it is not certain they have specifically caused such issues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "The use of these shells has resulted in a galloping increase in the number of cancer patients. The same situation will inevitably await those Ukrainian territories where they will be used. Responsibility will lie with the US."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that he would deploy depleted uranium ammunition if Ukraine received the arms.</p>

<h2><strong>What is depleted uranium?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Depleted uranium is more or less the same as natural uranium, however, it has a lower concentration of the fissile isotope U-235. It is about 60 per cent less radioactive than uranium in its natural state. DU is a byproduct of the uranium enrichment process used to produce fuel for nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Uranium is a very dense metal, which is about 1.7 times denser than lead. It is so hard that when it hits a target, it does not change shape. As a result, depleted uranium is utilised in shells and bombs to increase their ability to punch through metal.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Is it even legal to be use depleted uranium as a weapon?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The usage of depleted uranium shells is not banned under international law. The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence said that the depleted uranium shells it is sending to Ukraine are not prohibited by any international agreement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It said that under Article 36 of the First Protocol of 1977 Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949, the UK's depleted uranium shells are "capable of being used lawfully in international armed conflict".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who has used such weapons and when?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Many countries such as the United States and Russia have used depleted uranium munitions as part of their military arsenals. They were used in both the Gulf wars in 1991 and 2003 and in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces, including the US military, used DU ammunition during the Bosnian War between 1994-1995. NATO forces also used them during the Kosovo War in 1999.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are also reports suggesting that depleted uranium was extensively used during the Iraq War (2003-2011) by the US military.</p>

<p>An estimated 2,000 metric tonnes of DU were used in the conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that it had used depleted uranium ammunition in Syria in strikes against the Islamic State radical group in 2015.</p>

<p>The Pentagon has acknowledged using depleted uranium ordnance twice in 2015 in raids against the Islamic State group in Syria.</p>

<p>The US military used DU ammunition in the Afghanistan War (2001-2021), but it is not clear to the extent it was used.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What are the health hazards of depleted uranium munitions?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Several experts have argued that the use of depleted uranium must be banned as it leads to serious health issues. Although depleted uranium is less radioactive than natural uranium, it is nevertheless a hazardous heavy metal that can cause health problems if inhaled or swallowed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some health experts have said that DU particles can stay in the body for years and can lead to health problems, including kidney damage, lung cancer, and birth defects.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Depleted uranium munitions have been identified as one of the likely reasons for health problems among Gulf War veterans, as well as a suspected cause of high levels of cancer and birth deformities in the Iraqi city of Fallujah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the function of bombs in these issues has not been scientifically confirmed. Moreover, countries at the forefront of using such ammunition have repeatedly said that no proof has been found based on studies that establish a link between cancer and DU.</p>

<p>DU impacts the environment as well, because after striking the target, it releases uranium oxide dust and fragments into the air.</p>

<p>In the current scenario, one of the most crucial things to remember is the world's food crisis caused by the Russia-Ukraine war, which started on February 24, 2022. Ukraine is a major exporter of sunflower, maize, wheat, and barley to the rest of the world.</p>

<p>As the battle progresses, the radioactivity of DU dust particles will last for decades. As a result, the fertile land will be rendered useless in the future, causing food shortages and disrupting the global food supply chain.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russia is angry with the West after the US and Britain announced a controversial move to give depleted uranium (DU) tank rounds to Ukraine. Moscow said Washington would be responsible for any negative lingering impact of the munitions' use.

Russia is angry with the West after the US and Britain announced a controversial move to give depleted uranium (DU) tank rounds to Ukraine. Moscow said Washington would be responsible for any negative lingering impact of the munitions' use. Britain's announcement that it would provide such ammunition to Ukraine was denounced by Russia as a "serious" escalation of the war. The Pentagon, meanwhile, said it would provide Ukraine with the rounds as part of a $1 billion aid package. Depleted uranium munitions are controversial because of their links to various health and environmental problems such as cancer and birth defects in areas where they were used. Such cases have been reported in past conflicts, but some reports say that it is not certain they have specifically caused such issues. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "The use of these shells has resulted in a galloping increase in the number of cancer patients. The same situation will inevitably await those Ukrainian territories where they will be used. Responsibility will lie with the US." Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that he would deploy depleted uranium ammunition if Ukraine received the arms. What is depleted uranium? Depleted uranium is more or less the same as natural uranium, however, it has a lower concentration of the fissile isotope U-235. It is about 60 per cent less radioactive than uranium in its natural state. DU is a byproduct of the uranium enrichment process used to produce fuel for nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons. Uranium is a very dense metal, which is about 1.7 times denser than lead. It is so hard that when it hits a target, it does not change shape. As a result, depleted uranium is utilised in shells and bombs to increase their ability to punch through metal. Is it even legal to be use depleted uranium as a weapon? The usage of depleted uranium shells is not banned under international law. The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence said that the depleted uranium shells it is sending to Ukraine are not prohibited by any international agreement. It said that under Article 36 of the First Protocol of 1977 Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949, the UK's depleted uranium shells are "capable of being used lawfully in international armed conflict". Who has used such weapons and when? Many countries such as the United States and Russia have used depleted uranium munitions as part of their military arsenals. They were used in both the Gulf wars in 1991 and 2003 and in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces, including the US military, used DU ammunition during the Bosnian War between 1994-1995. NATO forces also used them during the Kosovo War in 1999. There are also reports suggesting that depleted uranium was extensively used during the Iraq War (2003-2011) by the US military. An estimated 2,000 metric tonnes of DU were used in the conflict. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that it had used depleted uranium ammunition in Syria in strikes against the Islamic State radical group in 2015. The Pentagon has acknowledged using depleted uranium ordnance twice in 2015 in raids against the Islamic State group in Syria. The US military used DU ammunition in the Afghanistan War (2001-2021), but it is not clear to the extent it was used. What are the health hazards of depleted uranium munitions? Several experts have argued that the use of depleted uranium must be banned as it leads to serious health issues. Although depleted uranium is less radioactive than natural uranium, it is nevertheless a hazardous heavy metal that can cause health problems if inhaled or swallowed. Some health experts have said that DU particles can stay in the body for years and can lead to health problems, including kidney damage, lung cancer, and birth defects. Depleted uranium munitions have been identified as one of the likely reasons for health problems among Gulf War veterans, as well as a suspected cause of high levels of cancer and birth deformities in the Iraqi city of Fallujah. However, the function of bombs in these issues has not been scientifically confirmed. Moreover, countries at the forefront of using such ammunition have repeatedly said that no proof has been found based on studies that establish a link between cancer and DU. DU impacts the environment as well, because after striking the target, it releases uranium oxide dust and fragments into the air. In the current scenario, one of the most crucial things to remember is the world's food crisis caused by the Russia-Ukraine war, which started on February 24, 2022. Ukraine is a major exporter of sunflower, maize, wheat, and barley to the rest of the world. As the battle progresses, the radioactivity of DU dust particles will last for decades. As a result, the fertile land will be rendered useless in the future, causing food shortages and disrupting the global food supply chain. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Depleted Uranium munitions being given by US to Ukraine are a health hazard

<p>The Pentagon on Wednesday (September 6) announced that the United States will provide Ukraine with depleted uranium tank ammunition, as part of a $175 million aid package.<br />
<br />
In a statement, the Pentagon said that the 120mm rounds will be for the US M1 Abrams, as it referred to the tanks that Washington has provided to provide to Kyiv. The uranium's density, which is around 1.7 times that of lead, helps the ammunition punch through heavy armour.<br />
<br />
However, it is controversial to provide depleted uranium as it has generally been associated with health hazards such as birth defects and cancer in past conflicts, although the munitions have never been definitively proven to be the cause of such health issues.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-claims-russian-strike-kills-at-least-16-in-east-ukraine-market-632988">Zelensky claims Russian strike kills at least 17 in east Ukraine market</a></p>

<h2><strong>Blinken says US will 'maximise' support to Ukraine, announces&nbsp;</strong>over $1 bn of new aid&nbsp;</h2>

<p>US diplomat Antony Blinken, during his visit to Kyiv on Wednesday, said that he will "maximise" efforts for supporting Ukraine, as its nation continued its counteroffensive against Russia. He further announced over $1 billion of new assistance to Ukraine&nbsp;in a package, which he stated would help Ukraine's counteroffensive "build momentum".</p>

<p>The comments were made hours after a dozen people were killed in a market in Eastern Ukraine due to a Russian artillery strike.<br />
<br />
"President Biden asked me to come to reaffirm strongly our support, to ensure that we are maximising the efforts that we're making," Blinken said to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.<br />
<br />
"We see the important progress that's being made now in the counteroffensive and that's very, very encouraging," he added.</p>

<p>"Today, we're announcing new assistance totalling more than one billion dollars... That includes $665.5 million in new military and civilian security assistance," said Blinken, in&nbsp;a press conference with Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba.</p>

<p>Zelensky, during his meeting with Blinken, thanked the US for extending its support to the war-ravaged country, especially ahead of winter. "We're happy that we're not alone through this winter, we will do it together with our partners," he said to Blinken.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine: At least 16 killed in Russian missile attack in Eastern Ukraine's Donetsk</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>White House condemns 'brutal' attacks by Russia</strong></h2>

<p>The White House condemned the fresh strikes by Russia on Ukraine on Wednesday after 17 people lost their lives in a strike on a market.<br />
<br />
"These brutal Russian attacks underscore the importance of continuing to support the people of Ukraine as they defend their territory," said White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre in a daily briefing.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Zelensky on Wednesday denounced the attack as "heinous" and repeatedly warned that Russia has been targeting civilian infrastructure.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Pentagon on Wednesday (September 6) announced that the United States will provide Ukraine with depleted uranium tank ammunition, as part of a $175 million aid package.

The Pentagon on Wednesday (September 6) announced that the United States will provide Ukraine with depleted uranium tank ammunition, as part of a $175 million aid package. In a statement, the Pentagon said that the 120mm rounds will be for the US M1 Abrams, as it referred to the tanks that Washington has provided to provide to Kyiv. The uranium's density, which is around 1.7 times that of lead, helps the ammunition punch through heavy armour. However, it is controversial to provide depleted uranium as it has generally been associated with health hazards such as birth defects and cancer in past conflicts, although the munitions have never been definitively proven to be the cause of such health issues. ALSO READ | Zelensky claims Russian strike kills at least 17 in east Ukraine market Blinken says US will 'maximise' support to Ukraine, announces over $1 bn of new aid US diplomat Antony Blinken, during his visit to Kyiv on Wednesday, said that he will "maximise" efforts for supporting Ukraine, as its nation continued its counteroffensive against Russia. He further announced over $1 billion of new assistance to Ukraine in a package, which he stated would help Ukraine's counteroffensive "build momentum". The comments were made hours after a dozen people were killed in a market in Eastern Ukraine due to a Russian artillery strike. "President Biden asked me to come to reaffirm strongly our support, to ensure that we are maximising the efforts that we're making," Blinken said to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. "We see the important progress that's being made now in the counteroffensive and that's very, very encouraging," he added. "Today, we're announcing new assistance totalling more than one billion dollars... That includes $665.5 million in new military and civilian security assistance," said Blinken, in a press conference with Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba. Zelensky, during his meeting with Blinken, thanked the US for extending its support to the war-ravaged country, especially ahead of winter. "We're happy that we're not alone through this winter, we will do it together with our partners," he said to Blinken. WATCH | Ukraine: At least 16 killed in Russian missile attack in Eastern Ukraine's Donetsk White House condemns 'brutal' attacks by Russia The White House condemned the fresh strikes by Russia on Ukraine on Wednesday after 17 people lost their lives in a strike on a market. "These brutal Russian attacks underscore the importance of continuing to support the people of Ukraine as they defend their territory," said White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre in a daily briefing. Meanwhile, Zelensky on Wednesday denounced the attack as "heinous" and repeatedly warned that Russia has been targeting civilian infrastructure. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US to provide depleted uranium tank ammunition to Ukraine: Pentagon

<p>Whenever we hear the word 'Uranium' in the context of a war, our antennas go up. The nuclear connotations immediately take us back to Second World War during which the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were flattened within seconds due to American nuclear bombs. Though (till now) there hasn't been another outright use of a nuclear bomb in a conflict, 'depleted uranium' has become something of a buzz in connection with ongoing conflict in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>What is depleted uranium?</h2>

<p>Depleted uranium is naturally occurring uranaium, except it has been stripped of most, but not all, of its radioactivity. In nerdspeak, depleted uranium is a waste material formed during the process of enrichment of uranium for its use in nuclear weapons and nuclear power plants.</p>

<h2>What is the use of depleted uranium?</h2>

<p>Depleted uranium can be used in weapons to make them more devastating. It can be put on the tips of tank shells, mortar rounds and even bullets. Such a treatment enhances ability of the weapons to penetrate enemy armour, something that can be of decisive advantage in a battlefield. Projectiles with depleted uranium tips can ignite on impact. This adds another element to their destructive capability.</p>

<h2>Have weapons with depleted uranium been used before?</h2>

<p>Yes, they were used in Iraq war in 2003. Before that, they were used in Kosovo (1999) and in Gulf War (1991).</p>

<h2>The biological aspect: Does depleted uranium cause cancer?</h2>

<p>World Health Organization's (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) lists depleted uranium as group 1 carcinogen.</p>

<p>Though depleted uranium is stripped of most of its radioactivity, it still has low levels of it. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) thus advises caution while handling depleted uranium.</p>

<p>A study carried out by team of researchers from American University of Beirut and Rutgers University has found "positive associations between uranium exposure and adverse health outcomes" among Iraqi population. The study has been featured by National Library of Medicine (NLM).</p>

<p>The study says that opponents of depleted uranium assert that its use resulted in increased rate of birth defects and cancers in Iraq after use of such weaponry.</p>

<p>The researchers also say that their findings imply that US sanctions on Iraq 'may have played a role in limiting research and publication on the health impacts of weaponised uranium on the Iraqi population.'</p>

<p>A United Nations study carried out over situation in Kosovo right after the conflict noted that if projectiles like bullets, tipped with depleted uranium are lying on ground and picked up by someone from the local population, it may result in 'local radiation doses above safety standards.' This can happen if the bullet is kept in pocket or worn in a chain around the neck.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-retaliation-to-russia-pulling-back-from-new-start-treaty-us-decides-to-withhold-nuclear-data-576798">In retaliation to Russia pulling back from New START treaty, US decides to withhold nuclear data</a></strong><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study also noted that bullets embedded in the ground, several metres from the surface, pose 'risk of future DU contamination of groundwater and drinking water'.</p>

<h2>Depleted uranium, the political aspect</h2>

<p>Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24, 2022. After sustained gains in first few months of the conflict, Russian forces had to retreat from several areas in the face of Ukrainian counterattack. Conquering Ukraine has not been a walk in the park for Russia as it was initially feared.</p>

<p>The Russian camp has been issuing nuclear threats for many months now, something that the West is worried about. Former Russian president and a staunch Putin-ally, Dmitry Medvedev, has been regular in hinting that Russia was very open to consider the nuclear option.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Joe Biden expresses concern over Vladimir Putin's move to station nukes, calls it dangerous</strong></p>

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<p>Expressing his dismay over West's supply of weapons to Ukraine, Medvedev said last month that this could lead to a nuclear war.</p>

<p>"Our enemies are doing just that, not wanting to understand that their goals will certainly lead to a total fiasco. Loss for everyone. A collapse. Apocalypse. Where you forget for centuries about your former life, until the rubble ceases to emit radiation," he said, as quoted by the daily Izvestia.</p>

<p>In short, anything 'nuclear' represents a clear and devastating escalation of the current conflict in Ukraine.</p>

<p>Uranium, even if depleted, thus, may have become an uncomfortable 'U-word' especially when both camps are high on war-speak.</p>

<p>The West has so far been generous in helping Ukraine with weapons and other aid but provision of depleted uranium weapons might just open a new chapter.</p>

<p>Russia knows this and has chosen to warn the UK to not provide depleted uranium shells to Ukraine, saying that they contain a 'nuclear component'.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-successfully-tests-supersonic-missiles-at-target-in-sea-of-japan-576736">Russian Navy successfully tests supersonic missiles at mock target in Sea of Japan: Russian defence ministry</a></strong></p>

<p>It's not that Russia is helping to prevent nuclear turn of the Ukraine war. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently announced himself that Russia would station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, a country, the ruling regime of which is strongly pro-Russia even if people aren't.</p>

<p>The world has seen horrific devastation nuclear weapons can cause. It is therefore eager to avoid nuclear confrontation. The efforts have been successful till now at least, but everyone is looking warily at the Ukraine conflict for sure. A lot remains to be seen.</p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

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Whenever we hear the word 'Uranium' in the context of a war, our antennas go up. The nuclear connotations immediately take us back to Second World War during which the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were flattened within seconds due to American nuclear bombs.

Whenever we hear the word 'Uranium' in the context of a war, our antennas go up. The nuclear connotations immediately take us back to Second World War during which the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were flattened within seconds due to American nuclear bombs. Though (till now) there hasn't been another outright use of a nuclear bomb in a conflict, 'depleted uranium' has become something of a buzz in connection with ongoing conflict in Ukraine. What is depleted uranium? Depleted uranium is naturally occurring uranaium, except it has been stripped of most, but not all, of its radioactivity. In nerdspeak, depleted uranium is a waste material formed during the process of enrichment of uranium for its use in nuclear weapons and nuclear power plants. What is the use of depleted uranium? Depleted uranium can be used in weapons to make them more devastating. It can be put on the tips of tank shells, mortar rounds and even bullets. Such a treatment enhances ability of the weapons to penetrate enemy armour, something that can be of decisive advantage in a battlefield. Projectiles with depleted uranium tips can ignite on impact. This adds another element to their destructive capability. Have weapons with depleted uranium been used before? Yes, they were used in Iraq war in 2003. Before that, they were used in Kosovo (1999) and in Gulf War (1991). The biological aspect: Does depleted uranium cause cancer? World Health Organization's (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) lists depleted uranium as group 1 carcinogen. Though depleted uranium is stripped of most of its radioactivity, it still has low levels of it. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) thus advises caution while handling depleted uranium. A study carried out by team of researchers from American University of Beirut and Rutgers University has found "positive associations between uranium exposure and adverse health outcomes" among Iraqi population. The study has been featured by National Library of Medicine (NLM). The study says that opponents of depleted uranium assert that its use resulted in increased rate of birth defects and cancers in Iraq after use of such weaponry. The researchers also say that their findings imply that US sanctions on Iraq 'may have played a role in limiting research and publication on the health impacts of weaponised uranium on the Iraqi population.' A United Nations study carried out over situation in Kosovo right after the conflict noted that if projectiles like bullets, tipped with depleted uranium are lying on ground and picked up by someone from the local population, it may result in 'local radiation doses above safety standards.' This can happen if the bullet is kept in pocket or worn in a chain around the neck. Also Read | In retaliation to Russia pulling back from New START treaty, US decides to withhold nuclear data The study also noted that bullets embedded in the ground, several metres from the surface, pose 'risk of future DU contamination of groundwater and drinking water'. Depleted uranium, the political aspect Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24, 2022. After sustained gains in first few months of the conflict, Russian forces had to retreat from several areas in the face of Ukrainian counterattack. Conquering Ukraine has not been a walk in the park for Russia as it was initially feared. The Russian camp has been issuing nuclear threats for many months now, something that the West is worried about. Former Russian president and a staunch Putin-ally, Dmitry Medvedev, has been regular in hinting that Russia was very open to consider the nuclear option. Watch | Joe Biden expresses concern over Vladimir Putin's move to station nukes, calls it dangerous × Expressing his dismay over West's supply of weapons to Ukraine, Medvedev said last month that this could lead to a nuclear war. "Our enemies are doing just that, not wanting to understand that their goals will certainly lead to a total fiasco. Loss for everyone. A collapse. Apocalypse. Where you forget for centuries about your former life, until the rubble ceases to emit radiation," he said, as quoted by the daily Izvestia. In short, anything 'nuclear' represents a clear and devastating escalation of the current conflict in Ukraine. Uranium, even if depleted, thus, may have become an uncomfortable 'U-word' especially when both camps are high on war-speak. The West has so far been generous in helping Ukraine with weapons and other aid but provision of depleted uranium weapons might just open a new chapter. Russia knows this and has chosen to warn the UK to not provide depleted uranium shells to Ukraine, saying that they contain a 'nuclear component'. Also Read | Russian Navy successfully tests supersonic missiles at mock target in Sea of Japan: Russian defence ministry It's not that Russia is helping to prevent nuclear turn of the Ukraine war. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently announced himself that Russia would station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, a country, the ruling regime of which is strongly pro-Russia even if people aren't. The world has seen horrific devastation nuclear weapons can cause. It is therefore eager to avoid nuclear confrontation. The efforts have been successful till now at least, but everyone is looking warily at the Ukraine conflict for sure. A lot remains to be seen. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Explained | What the fuss over depleted uranium in Ukraine war is about

<p>A US military official has confirmed that depleted uranium rounds were used in airstrikes conducted in Islamic State-held areas in Syria in 2015.</p>

<p>US Central Command spokesman Maj. Josh Jacques told Aiwars and Foreign Policy that more than 5,000 rounds containing&nbsp;depleted uranium were fired from A-10 fixed wing aircrafts in raids that took place on November 16 and November 22, 2015,&nbsp;</p>

<p>The last time the US used depleted uranium was during the Iraq invasion in 2003 after which it had to face severe backlash from locals.</p>

<p>It had vowed not to use it in future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Iraqi government had expressed fears that the use of deplted uranium will have adverse health effects on the local population.</p>

<p>The airstrikes on tanker trucks in Syria in 2015 were part of an operation to dismantle the oil assets of Islamic State.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The oil supply chain was used by the Islamic State to earn millions of dollars to fund its operations.</p>

<p>(WION)&nbsp;</p>


The airstrikes were conducted in November 2015 on Islamic State's oil assets

A US military official has confirmed that depleted uranium rounds were used in airstrikes conducted in Islamic State-held areas in Syria in 2015. US Central Command spokesman Maj. Josh Jacques told Aiwars and Foreign Policy that more than 5,000 rounds containing depleted uranium were fired from A-10 fixed wing aircrafts in raids that took place on November 16 and November 22, 2015, The last time the US used depleted uranium was during the Iraq invasion in 2003 after which it had to face severe backlash from locals. It had vowed not to use it in future. The Iraqi government had expressed fears that the use of deplted uranium will have adverse health effects on the local population. The airstrikes on tanker trucks in Syria in 2015 were part of an operation to dismantle the oil assets of Islamic State. The oil supply chain was used by the Islamic State to earn millions of dollars to fund its operations. (WION)

US used depleted uranium in airstrikes on IS-held areas in Syria, confirms military official

depleted-uranium

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