02 November 2015

Reports of Brazil-Made Cluster Bombs in Yemen

Courtesy Amnesty Intl

Unexploded submunitions pictured at the attack site bear similarities to Brazilian-manufactured cluster bombs Saudi Arabia is known to have used in the past. Photo courtesy of Amnesty International. © Private

The Cluster Munition Coalition is deeply concerned with reports that the coalition forces led by Saudi Arabia appear to have used a Brazilian variant of internationally banned cluster munitions on a residential neighborhood in Ahma in Saada, northern Yemen.

On 30 October 2015, Amnesty International reported that at least four people were wounded and dangerous unexploded submunitions were left strewn around surrounding farmland. According to Amnesty International, unexploded submunitions pictured at the attack site bear similarities to Brazilian-manufactured cluster bombs Saudi Arabia is known to have used in the past.

Cluster munitions have been used earlier in the conflict, but this marks the first suspected use of Brazilian-made cluster munitions.

While Amnesty International was unable to independently verify with certainty the make and model of the submunitions dropped on Ahma, they bear similarities to one manufactured by a Brazilian company called Avibrás Indústria Aeroespacial SA. The company reportedly committed to investigate further.

The Cluster Munition Coalition calls on the Saudi-led coalition to stop using cluster munitions. All members of the coalition forces should join the Convention on Cluster Munitions. Brazil should prohibit the production of cluster munitions and join the Convention as well.