The use of depleted uranium ammunition in operation Iraqi freedom: a war crime?

This paper examines whether or not the use of Depleted Uranium (‘DU’) ammunition by British armed forces in ‘Operation Iraqi Freedom’ may have constituted a war crime. It is analysed whether and to what extent the use of DU ammunition is in breach with obligations under international humanitarian law of armed conflict. The provisions examined include the customary prohibition of indiscriminate attacks, the customary prohibition of weapons causing superfluous injury, and the obligation to protect the environment as codified in the Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Convention. It is argued that the use of DU ammunition raises serious concerns in relation to several provisions of international humanitarian law. Nevertheless, it appears rather unlikely that the use of DU ammunition by Coalition forces in Iraq was authorised with criminal intent and thus constituted war crimes.