Civilian death toll from explosive weapons soars

Civilians bear brunt of rise in number of deaths and injuries from explosive devices in conflict zones including Syria, Gaza, Nigeria and Iraq

The global civilian death toll from explosive weapons has increased dramatically in recent years, driven in part by the greater use of aerial bombs on populated areas, often by governments including Syria and Israel, according to a report.

Although the international community has taken concerted action to curb the use of chemical weapons, the report by advocacy group Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) confirms that conventional explosives, can be just as devastating and indiscriminate when used against towns and cities.