Thermobaric weapons, also known as vacuum bombs, have been used by Russia in Ukraine. These bombs work in two stages, releasing a cloud of combustible material, followed by an explosion that ignites the material, creating a massive fireball and shockwave. The effects of thermobaric explosions are devastating, causing asphyxiation, internal damage, and even vaporizing human bodies. The use of these weapons is not prohibited by international law, but using them to attack civilians could be considered a war crime.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Thermobaric weapons, also known as vacuum bombs, have been used by Russia in the conflict with Ukraine.
2. Thermobaric weapons were first used in World War II by the German army.
3. The United States used thermobaric weapons in Vietnam in the 1960s.
4. The Soviet Union used thermobaric weapons against China in 1969 and in the invasion of Afghanistan in 1979.
5. Thermobaric weapons work in two stages, releasing a large cloud of combustible material and then igniting it to create a huge fireball and shock wave.
6. The explosion from a thermobaric weapon can reach temperatures of over 5,000 degrees Celsius.
7. Thermobaric weapons can cause asphyxiation, internal damage to organs, and other injuries due to the shock wave and lack of oxygen.
8. The effects of thermobaric weapons are more intense and destructive than those of conventional bombs.
9. Thermobaric weapons are not effective against heavily armored targets.
10. Russia has used thermobaric weapons in Chechnya, Syria, and Ukraine.
11. The United States has used thermobaric weapons in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
12. The Russian 2-1a weapons system has been deployed in Ukraine and can fire 24 thermobaric rockets.
13. The 2-1 projectile covers an area of 40,000 square meters, equivalent to about six football fields.
14. There are currently no international laws specifically prohibiting the use of thermobaric weapons.
15. Using thermobaric weapons to attack civilians could be considered a war crime under the Hague Conventions.