Cluster bomb

A cluster bomb, or cluster munition, is an explosive device. It explodes in the air or on the ground, and releases many smaller bombs. It is an anti-personnel weapon because it kills or maims people, not armoured vehicles. They were used a lot during the Vietnam War and have been used in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A demonstration cluster bomb with smaller bombs inside a warhead. Photo likely from the 1960s

They are considered illegal by over 100 countries. These countries have signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions adopted in May 2008.

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