Video taken from a drone being used to conduct forward observations captures the moment what appears to be cluster munitions are deployed against a group of Russian troops transporting one of their casualties.

Before we even have to walk down this path again in the comments, this is not a war crime. In order for Geneva Convention protections to be extended to medical personnel they have to be clearly marked non-combatants. Being part of a heavily armed and unmarked front-line aid and litter job tasking does not mean you are suddenly extended extra protections. What's happening in this video is known as exploitation, and it's a common tactic.

Had these guys been lightly armed for self-defense and clearly marked with insignias that marked them as medical personnel, then it could be taken differently. If these guys were in a clearly marked medical vehicle behind the front-lines, also a different story. A squad of Russian infantry transporting one of their casualties via stretcher however is fair game for exploitation, and a smart commander would exploit this every time.

It is, after all, a war.

About the Author

Josh Brooks

Josh is an American writer and former USMC machine gunner with eight years of experience in ground combat arms throughout the GWOT. He is currently based in Texas and specializes in combat footage analysis and digital marketing.Follow Josh at OfficialJoshBrooks.com