War has been destructive throughout history. However, there are some weapons whose effects are not limited to soldiers; they target civilians, nature, and future generations. For this reason, modern international law has completely banned certain weapons that cause “unnecessary suffering” or are impossible to control.
Here are the most terrifying weapons of modern warfare that are now banned or severely restricted.
Incendiary Weapons
Fire is one of nature’s most uncontrollable forces. Unlike standard explosions, incendiary weapons create a long-lasting burning effect, causing vast areas to turn to ash. This type of weaponry, which began in ancient times with substances like oil, animal fat, and resin, became much more destructive with the discovery of gunpowder.
Napalm, used in World War II and particularly in the Vietnam War, set cities on fire, causing the deaths of thousands of civilians and permanent environmental destruction. These images created a massive reaction in global public opinion.
The 1980 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons banned the use of these weapons against wide areas. Today, only very limited and targeted uses are permitted.
Cluster Munitions
Cluster bombs are weapons that scatter hundreds of small bomblets when they explode. For civilians who survive the initial blast, the real danger is the unexploded ordnance that remains on the ground for years.
The biggest problems with these weapons are:
- They continue to kill even after the war ends.
- They render agricultural lands and settlements unusable.
- They pose a specifically high risk for children.
The Convention on Cluster Munitions, adopted in 2008, was signed by more than 120 countries, banning the use of these weapons.
Landmines
Landmines are among the deadliest weapons that remain active even after a war has concluded. With a history dating back to the ninth century, they caused massive destruction, particularly in World War I.
In countries like Cambodia, Sudan, and Iraq, millions of mines continued to threaten the lives of civilians post-war. Consequently, the Ottawa Treaty was signed in 1997. However, the USA, Russia, and China are among the countries that have not signed this agreement.
Blinding Laser Weapons
Lasers do not explode and do not require ammunition. However, when directed straight at the eye, they can cause permanent blindness. Therefore, a decision made in 1995 banned laser weapons intended to consciously blind targets.
Laser systems that cause temporary blindness or are used for other purposes, however, still remain in a grey area.
Poisoned Bullets
The banning of poisoned bullets dates back much further than modern war law. The 1675 Strasbourg Agreement is one of the first international texts to ban these weapons.
The goal was extremely clear: To exclude ammunition designed to make injuries fatal or cause extra suffering through infection from warfare.
Expanding Bullets
These bullets expand after entering the body, leading to much greater internal damage. Because they make medical intervention almost impossible, their use in war was banned by the 1899 Hague Convention.
Their use in hunting and by some police units, however, remains controversial.
Non-Detectable Fragments
Some bombs contain plastic or glass particles instead of metal. These fragments cannot be seen on X-rays and cannot be surgically removed. This can cause the wounded to die from internal bleeding.
Under the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, these types of weapons are considered a war crime.
Tear Gas and Pepper Spray
Although common in civilian use, these gases fall into the chemical weapon class. Their use in a war environment is forbidden because they leave soldiers defenseless, making them open to deadly attacks.
Poisonous Gases (Mustard and Nerve Agents)
One of the most horrific legacies of World War I, mustard gas causes severe burns, blindness, and cancer. The 1925 Geneva Protocol banned chemical weapons. Despite this, it is reported that they are still used in some modern conflicts.
Other Prohibited Methods and Devices
Use of Animals as Weapons
Using animals to spread pathogens, carry bombs, or start fires falls under the bans on biological and incendiary weapons. Their uncontrollability poses a huge risk to civilians.
Unexploded Bombs
Ordnance that is not cleared post-war has been reused as improvised explosive devices (IEDs), especially in asymmetric warfare. This situation led to the birth of new protocols regulating post-war responsibilities.
Punji Sticks (Stake Traps)
Although they seem primitive, they are extremely deadly. They were banned in 1979 due to the risk of infection.
Balloon Bombs
These uncontrollable incendiary weapons have caused massive fires in civilian areas. They have been banned since 1979.
Weapons of Mass Destruction
Nuclear Weapons
Technically illegal, but protected by countries possessing nuclear power. An agreement aiming for the complete ban of nuclear weapons entered into force in 2021; however, no nuclear power has signed this agreement.
Biological Weapons
Viruses and bacteria can spread uncontrollably. Because of this:
- They can mutate.
- They can strike the attacker as well.
- They can lead to a global catastrophe.
The 1972 Biological Weapons Convention banned the development and stockpiling of these weapons. However, it is known that these agents are still stored in some countries.