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Both Isis and government 'used cluster bombs in Syria'

ISLAMIC State (Isis) fighters have used cluster munitions in Syria and government forces are continuing to use the widely banned weapon, Human Rights Watch (HRW) alleged today.

The group said Isis fighters had used cluster bombs on July 12 and August 14.

They were deployed around the town of Ayn al-Arab in clashes between Isis and Kurdish fighters.

It was believed to be the first time Isis had used cluster bombs and it was unclear how it had acquired them.

Cluster munitions contain hundreds of small bomblets and can be loaded on rockets or air-dropped.

HRW claimed government forces had also used them.

Syria is not a party to the UN Convention on Cluster Munitions.

“Any use of cluster munitions deserves condemnation, but the best response is for all nations to join the treaty and work to rid the world of them,” said HRW arms division director Steve Goose.

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