Cluster Fucked The use of

The use of cluster bombs in populated areas caused more civilian casualties than any other factor, said [Human Rights Watch] In addition, 50 “decapitation strikes” by warplanes targeting Iraqi leaders after intercepts of satellite telephone calls killed dozens of civilians but none of the intended targets … aside from the cluster bombs and decapitation strikes, coalition forces tried to be careful and precise to avoid killing noncombatants … researchers found a clear contrast between the civilian death rates in planned attacks on fixed sites and in assaults on targets of opportunity. “They were very, very careful and incredibly accurate when it came to planned targets” … But as U.S. soldiers encountered distant fire on the ground, they shot back with imprecise cluster munitions that carpeted an area with bomblets. “Hundreds of people were killed as a result”.

Iraqi armed forces violated international humanitarian law by abusing the red cross and red crescent emblems … during the battle for al-Najaf, fedayeen came to the Hay al-Hussain Ambulance Center. The ambulances there and in other parts of Iraq were white with red crescent emblems on the front hood and rear door and sometimes on the side door. The fedayeen told the center?s staff that they knew of injured people who needed help and climbed in an ambulance with their guns. ?They got in . . . and then took part in the battle. They used [the ambulance] as a cover to reach the field of battle.