The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that it had used depleted uranium (DU) ammunition in Syria in strikes against the Islamic State radical group (outlawed in Russia).
“I can confirm the use of depleted uranium,” US Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesman Maj. Josh Jacques told TASS. “The combination of Armored Piercing Incendiary (DU) rounds mixed with High Explosive Incendiary rounds was used to ensure a higher probability of destruction of the truck fleet ISIS was using to transport its illicit oil.”
The spokesman said that a total of 5,265 rounds of Armored Piercing Incendiary (DU) using the 5:1 combat mix ratio were used in two operations on November 16 and November 22, 2015.
On November 16, a total of 1,490 out of 1,790 rounds fired in total contained depleted uranium. On November 22, US warplanes fired 3,775 shells with depleted uranium out of 4,530 in total.
Each of the two operations involved four A-10 Thunderbolt attack aircraft. A total of 46 enemy vehicles were destroyed during the first operation, and 293 during the second.