Fire Bombs in Iraq: Napalm By Any Other Name
By iraqanalysis.org
Top Level
Published: 04/18/2005 09:15

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4-18-05, 9:03 am From Iraq Analysis Group
Summary

This briefing examines the continuing use of incendiary weapons by the US military in Iraq. US officials have been forced to admit using the MK-77 incendiary, a modern form of napalm, at least during the initial fighting stage of the war. In direct contradiction, the UK government continues to deny that such weapons have been used in Iraq at any time. The UK is party to an international convention banning incendiaries where they may cause harm to civilians. In Iraq, UK forces are part of a coalition which does not adhere to internationally agreed standards of warfare.

1. Napalm past

A fire bomb is a thin-skinned container of fuel gel. It ignites on impact, spreading the burning gel over a wide area. The composition of the fuel gel has evolved over the years: * World War II: gasoline plus naphthenic and palmitic acids * Vietnam & Korea: gasoline, benzene and polystyrene * Iraq (MK-77 Mod 5): kerosene-based jet fuel and polystyrene >>>>Continued

http://www.politicalaffairs.net/article/articleview/966/1/32/

http://dahrjamailiraq.com/weblog/archives//000173.php#more

http://dahrjamailiraq.com/weblog/archives/dispatches/000155.php#more