2 days ago
Report Links US PrSM Strikes to Civilian Deaths in Lamerd
Three missiles hit the city of Lamerd in southern Iran on February 28.
Airwars studied videos, photographs and satellite images of the damage.
The Associated Press independently checked much of that evidence.
They concluded that the missiles were probably American-made Precision Strike Missiles, or PrSMs.
Iranian officials said at least 21 civilians, including seven children, died.
The missiles appeared to explode in the air and spray many small metal pellets.
One pellet may have traveled 50 metres and killed a two-year-old child.
Damage from one blast reached at least 170 metres away.
The US military said it did not fire weapons at Lamerd, so responsibility remains disputed.
Airwars and The Associated Press concluded that three US-made Precision Strike Missiles likely struck Lamerd on February 28.
Iranian officials reported that at least 21 civilians, including seven children, were killed.
Airwars estimated that fragments killed people up to 50 metres from apparent detonation sites.
Damage from one blast extended at least 170 metres, affecting buildings, roads, vehicles and a school.
United States Central Command denied striking Lamerd, while weapons experts said the damage pattern matched the PrSM.
- Who
- Airwars and The Associated Press attributed the apparent strikes to three US-made Precision Strike Missiles, while Iranian officials reported the deaths and United States Central Command denied responsibility.
- What
- Three apparent missile strikes hit a sports complex and two residential neighborhoods, reportedly killing at least 21 civilians and causing widespread fragmentation damage.
- Where
- Lamerd, in southern Iran.
- When
- February 28, the first day of the reported Iran war.
- Why
- The intended target is unclear; reports found no indication that military personnel were killed or nearby military infrastructure was damaged.
Investigation and Expert Findings
United States Military Response
Who used the missiles?
Investigation and Expert Findings
Airwars, AP and six weapons experts said the damage pattern and available footage indicated that three PrSMs likely struck Lamerd.
United States Military Response
United States Central Command denied launching PrSMs or any other weapons into Lamerd on February 28.
What caused the damage pattern?
Investigation and Expert Findings
Experts said the widespread pockmarking of buildings, roads and vehicles was consistent with a PrSM, which detonates in midair and releases tungsten pellets.
United States Military Response
Central Command said footage suggested that one strike involved an Iranian Hoveyzeh cruise missile, although weapons experts said the missile shown did not match that model.
Use near civilians
Investigation and Expert Findings
Weapons experts and former military officials said the PrSM should not be used against targets near populated areas; Michael Meier said such use in a dense urban area would be difficult to justify.
United States Military Response
The US military said it does not target civilians and maintained that it did not carry out the Lamerd attack.
Key facts
- Reported deaths
- At least 21 civilians, including seven children, according to Iranian officials.
- Apparent weapon
- Three US-made Precision Strike Missiles, according to Airwars and six weapons experts interviewed by AP.
- Estimated lethal distance
- Up to 50 metres from an apparent detonation site.
- Estimated damage distance
- At least 170 metres from one blast.
- Reported strike locations
- Above the Shahid Naimi Sports Hall and in the Tal-e Khandagh and another residential neighborhood.
- US response
- United States Central Command denied launching PrSMs or any other weapons into Lamerd on February 28.
- Production contract
- The Pentagon later signed a contract worth more than $4 billion to quadruple PrSM production.
Quotes
Michael Meier
Former US Army adviser on the laws of war
“Its proper use should be reserved for things like large concentrations of enemy personnel with hard and soft armour,”
telegraphindia.com
“You would be hard-pressed to find a reason to use the PrSM in a densely populated area,”
news18.com
telegraphindia.com
NDTV
Sources
US 'Precision' Missile Killed Civilians Up To 50 Metres Away On Iran War's First Day: Report
US PrSM missiles in Iran strike killed civilians 50 metres from blast site: Report
US missile in Iran war may have killed civilians 50 metres from blast site, report finds
US Hit Iran With New Missile. It Killed Civilians 50 Metres From Blast Site
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