U.K. Says White Phosphorous Used for Smoke

http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051116/API/511160638

U.K. Says White Phosphorous Used for Smoke

Associated Press Writer
LONDON

The British military uses white phosphorous in Iraq but only to lay smoke screens, the government said Wednesday, after allegations that U.S. troops used the incendiary weapon against civilians during the battle of Fallujah last year.

White phosphorous, in a form used by the military, ignites when it is exposed to oxygen, producing such heat that it bursts into a yellow flame and produces a dense white smoke. It is used to mask troop movements and to light up a battlefield but also can cause painful burn injuries to exposed human flesh.

"In the British army, we only use white phosphorous as a cover, as a smoke screen," Defense Secretary John Reid told reporters at a NATO training exercise in Germany.

...

Despite initial denials, Pentagon officials acknowledged Tuesday that U.S. troops had used the substance as an incendiary weapon against insurgent strongholds there.