Does the US military still use Willy Pete?

White phosphorous, often known by the nickname “Willie Pete,” is possibly one of the oddest and most controversial weapons on military frontlines, including in American units. Its use as a chemical weapon is banned, but its use as an incendiary weapon is simply limited, and use as a signaling device is fine.

What is white phosphorus used for in war?

White phosphorus has been used since World War I both as an incendiary agent and for creating smoke screens or smoke signals. Munitions containing white phosphorus were used extensively in World War II , the Vietnam War, and the Korea War, including as an anti-personnel weapon.

Does Israel use white phosphorus?

Israel’s military has denied the use of white phosphorus in attacks on Gaza. Because white phosphorus has legal industrial uses, it is not restricted. But under international law, it is considered an incendiary weapon, and prohibited from being used against military targets located among civilians.

Is the use of white phosphorus illegal?

The use of white phosphorus is not banned under international convention when it is used as an obscurant – to make a smokescreen or to illuminate a target (white phosphorus glows green when exposed to oxygen). To use it for incendiary weapons in civilian areas is banned under the Geneva convention.

Was white phosphorus used in the Iraq War?

White phosphorus has been used in Iraq in the past. In 2004, Marine artillery units were criticised for firing their munitions on entrenched rebels. White phosphorus was also used by U.S. troops, mostly in the quite eastern part of the country. In 2009, it was reported that NATO forces burned a girl using this munition.

Should white phosphorus be used as a weapon?

As a weapon, white phosphorus can produce horrific burns. Currently, there is no prohibition on the use of white phosphorus for achieving military objectives.

What is the common name for white phosphorus?

White phosphorus is used in smoke, illumination, and incendiary munitions, and is commonly the burning element of tracer ammunition. Other common names include WP and the slang term “Willie Pete” or “Willie Peter” derived from William Peter, the World War II phonetic alphabet for “WP”, which is still sometimes used in military jargon.

Does white phosphorus self-ignite?

White phosphorus can self-ignite, and it will severely cause damage to [almost] anything it touches. In 2016, the Pentagon posted an online video of the U.S. forces using white phosphorus munitions in their war against the Islamic State.