double-skinned crabs double-skinned crabs double-skinned crabs double-skinned crabs double-skinned crabs double-skinned crabs double-skinned crabs double-skinned crabs double-skinned crabs double-skinned crabs double-skinned crabs double-skinned crabs vietnamese seafood double-skinned crabs mud crab exporter double-skinned crabs double-skinned crabs seamorny seamorny seamorny seamorny

Breaking News

Matt Gaetz reveals if he will rejoin Congress next year
US News

Russian weapons capable of inflicting mass casualties spotted in Ukraine conflict

By
Isabel Vincent
Published Feb. 26, 2022
Updated Feb. 26, 2022, 7:10 p.m. ET

With Ukraine troops and reservists offering fierce resistance to Russian invaders, Russian leader Vladimir Putin appears to be ordering a new, deadlier phase of his war with multiple sightings of thermobaric rocket launchers, according to reports.

A Russian thermobaric multiple rockets launcher was spotted near Belgorod near Russia’s border with Ukraine on Saturday afternoon, CNN reported. The weapons are capable of launching so-called “vacuum bombs” that suck out the oxygen in the area where they are deployed in order to create a powerful explosion.

Russian forces have started to roll out thermobaric rocket launchers near Ukraine, according to CNN.
Russian forces have started to roll out thermobaric rocket launchers near Ukraine. Russian Defence Ministry/AFP via Getty Images
A view shows a rocket launcher system during the "Allied Resolve" military exercises held by the armed forces of Russia and Belarus at the Osipovichsky training ground in the Mogilev region, Belarus, February 17, 2022.
The CIA claims that thermobaric rocket launchers can obliterate nearby targets and severely wound people. via REUTERS
A Russian Grad rocket launcher fires at mock enemy targets during a military exercise near Baranovichi, Belarus on Feb. 17, 2022.
A Russian Grad rocket launcher fires at mock enemy targets during a military exercise near Baranovichi, Belarus on Feb. 17, 2022. Russian Defence Ministry/AFP via Getty Images
A TOS-1A Solntsepyok thermobaric rocket launcher is seen during Russia’s World War II victory commemoration parade in Moscow on June 24, 2020.
A TOS-1A Solntsepyok thermobaric rocket launcher is seen during Russia’s World War II victory commemoration parade in Moscow on June 24, 2020. Host Photo Agency via Getty Images
Russian Army TOS-1A "Solntsepyok (Blazing Sun)" multiple rocket launcher and thermobaric weapon mounted on a T-72 tank chassis seen during the annual Army Games defense technology international exhibition.
Thermobaric rocket launchers are capable of causing devastating explosions by absorbing oxygen around the target. Sipa USA via AP
A Russian army truck carrying an armored vehicle arrives at the Ukrainian border on Feb. 24, 2022.
A Russian army truck carrying an armored vehicle arrives at the Ukrainian border on Feb. 24, 2022. Sergei Malgavko/TASS via Getty Images

“Those near the ignition point are obliterated,” according to a CIA study on the effects of the weapons. “Those at the fringe are likely to suffer many internal, thus invisible injuries, including burst eardrums and crushed inner ear organs, severe concussions, ruptured lungs and internal organs, and possibly blindness.”

Get the latest updates in the Russia-Ukraine conflict with The Post’s live coverage.

In addition to the thermobaric warheads, intelligence officials cited by Britain’s Independent newspaper said they have seen a 27M Malka 203mm heavy self-propelled howitzer and 2S4 Tyulpan 240 mm heavy self-propelled mortars which can be used on large buildings to inflict maximum damage.