Trump eases restrictions on land mine use by U.S. military

By Idrees Ali

 

FILE PHOTO: U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper speaks at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Global Security Forum on "Emerging Technologies Governance" in Washington U.S., January 24, 2020. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Friday relaxed Obama-era restrictions on the U.S. military's use of anti-personnel land mines, arguing that the previous policy could put American troops at a "severe disadvantage."

 

The move was criticized by arms control proponents and underscores the administration's willingness to upend policies set by Trump's Democratic predecessor, in the face of concerns about the dangers such weaponry poses to civilians long after conflicts end.

 

"The president's decision to roll back the policy on anti-personnel landmines is as perplexing as it is disappointing, and reflexive, and unwise," Senator Patrick Leahy said.

 

President Barack Obama's administration said in 2014 it would no longer produce or otherwise acquire anti-personnel land mines, including to replace existing U.S. stockpiles which can age to the point where the munitions can longer be used.

 

The United States had also prohibited the use of the weapons outside of the Korean Peninsula.

 

In a statement, the White House said the Pentagon had determined the restrictions could put troops at a disadvantage.

 

"This policy will authorize Combatant Commanders, in exceptional circumstances, to employ advanced, non-persistent landmines specifically designed to reduce unintended harm to civilians and partner forces," the White House said.

 

The new policy, which was the result of a 2017 review started by then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, will allow the military to use land mines that can self-destruct in 30 days or less and have a back up deactivation feature.

 

The Pentagon said there were no "geographic limitations" to where the land mines could be used.

 

Vic Mercado, who is performing the duties of assistant secretary of defence for strategy, plans and capabilities at the Pentagon, said the focus of the policy was on "great power competition" - referring to China and Russia.

 

Mercado said land mine use would need to be authorized by a four-star military official and reviewed by the secretary of defence.

 

He spoke after Defense Secretary Mark Esper, speaking at a news conference with his Italian counterpart, said American forces needed access to land mines.

 

"Land mines are an important tool that our forces need to have available to them in order to ensure mission success and in order to reduce risk to forces," Esper said.

 

"That said, in everything we do we also want to make sure that these instruments, in this case land mines, also take into account both the safety of employment and the safety to civilians and others after a conflict," Esper added.

 

The United States is not a signatory to the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, which took effect in 1999 and broadly prohibits the development, use and acquisition of anti-personnel land mines.

 

Washington had abided by many provisions of the treaty, which had been endorsed by more than 160 countries.

 

(Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Tom Brown)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-02-01

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Having worked in areas of anti personnel land mines during post war times of peace, I shake my head in disbelief.

35 minutes ago, MJKT2014 said:

Having worked in areas of anti personnel land mines during post war times of peace, I shake my head in disbelief.

Why in disbelieve...this is Trump

 

 

Just what the world needs. More landmines.

 

Why doesnt the US just nuke the rest of the world so it can feel safe.

You don't need to confirm you're a moron Donald, everyone knows already!

this is not unexpected.

 

it comes from the same regime whose leader believes torture works.

Good news - the Obama restrictions endangered US Troops - mines are used to protect not attack.  And their deployment and technologies are now far advanced from the old 'set and forget' landmines on TV/Movies. You either know military stuff or you dont. This is a good move and brings USA troops deployed overseas a greater amount of protection from terrorist attackers.

4 hours ago, AussieBob18 said:

mines are used to protect not attack. 

Wouldn't have done so if installed at Iraq's Ain al-Assad base.

The weapons manufacturers will be very pleased. Useful in an election year. 

What a pillock

An inflammatory post using a trolling representation of Trump's name has been removed. 

5 hours ago, AussieBob18 said:

This is a good move and brings USA troops deployed overseas a greater amount of protection from terrorist attackers.

I just cant believe this shxt!Mines are used to protect?Build your wall and protect that with landmines!Oh wait i am overreacting.sorry about that.

By the way, when you guys are leaving you will be taking all of your mines with you right?

Millions of mines left all over the world,does not seem to be a problem for the war machine.Well there is money to be made and an election coming up so it makes sense.

 

Land mines, no matter how 'high-tech' or 'civilian-safe', are a disgusting weapon (as disgusting as chemical weapons) which only kill & main far more civilians than enemies.

 

The current US regime again demonstrates a refusal to recognise past mistakes in Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos where people still die from them.

Just anything to undo anything put into law by Obama.

How much more pathetic can anyone be? 

7 minutes ago, Jonnapat said:

Just anything to undo anything put into law by Obama.

How much more pathetic can anyone be? 

Give trump time and he’ll show you. 

8 hours ago, Sujo said:

Just what the world needs. More landmines.

 

Why doesnt the US just nuke the rest of the world so it can feel safe.

Perhaps he intends laying them along the entire border with Mexico????

8 hours ago, AussieBob18 said:

Good news - the Obama restrictions endangered US Troops - mines are used to protect not attack.  And their deployment and technologies are now far advanced from the old 'set and forget' landmines on TV/Movies. You either know military stuff or you dont. This is a good move and brings USA troops deployed overseas a greater amount of protection from terrorist attackers.

Yes, use them on US land, at the southern border for instance

9 hours ago, AussieBob18 said:

Good news - the Obama restrictions endangered US Troops - mines are used to protect not attack.  And their deployment and technologies are now far advanced from the old 'set and forget' landmines on TV/Movies. You either know military stuff or you dont. This is a good move and brings USA troops deployed overseas a greater amount of protection from terrorist attackers.

HRW weapons expert Steve Goose, on the other hand, said the new regulation would put the United States in line with regimes and terrorist groups responsible for serious human rights violations. For example, landmines would be used by Syria, Myanmar and the Islamic State (IS) terrorist militia.

I will not respons to all individually who do not agree with me, but as one.

1.  Land mines deployed by USA are not like the old land mines - eg. they can be electronically deactivated and removed.

2. Liike I said - you either know modern military stuff or you dont.

3. Land mines that cause all those problems mentioned are old technology - much is WW2 stuff left in the ground. 

Logic and reason controls emotion and fear in rational people.

34 minutes ago, AussieBob18 said:

I will not respons to all individually who do not agree with me, but as one.

1.  Land mines deployed by USA are not like the old land mines - eg. they can be electronically deactivated and removed.

2. Liike I said - you either know modern military stuff or you dont.

3. Land mines that cause all those problems mentioned are old technology - much is WW2 stuff left in the ground. 

Logic and reason controls emotion and fear in rational people.

Even the intelligent landmines don't know who steps on it.
160 states of this earth have agreed not to use this insidious weapon.

The United States is not one of them.
Shame.

Edited February 1, 20206 yr by tomacht8

Inflammatory and offensive posts and the replies have been removed. 

 

Troll posts have been removed. 

26 minutes ago, AussieBob18 said:

I will not respons to all individually who do not agree with me, but as one.

1.  Land mines deployed by USA are not like the old land mines - eg. they can be electronically deactivated and removed.

2. Liike I said - you either know modern military stuff or you dont.

3. Land mines that cause all those problems mentioned are old technology - much is WW2 stuff left in the ground. 

Logic and reason controls emotion and fear in rational people.

And u trust what u have been told.

Fine, put the land mines on the US border side of mexico. See how you like walking through that.

 

Do u trust it?

10 minutes ago, Sujo said:

And u trust what u have been told.

Fine, put the land mines on the US border side of mexico. See how you like walking through that.

 

Do u trust it?

Absolutely.
The United States can lay out its landmines on its own territory.
But not on the territory of other countries.
That is,  what they like to do.

22 minutes ago, tomacht8 said:

Even the intelligent landmines don't know who steps on it.
160 states of this earth have agreed not to use this insidious weapon.

The United States is not one of them.
Shame.

I dont want to argue with you becasue I think you have no idea - both on what has been allowed and when they can be used.

Here is a reasonable overview - https://www.dw.com/en/us-lifts-restrictions-on-smart-landmines/a-52222622

Have a read and see what you think - rationally and logically - then pretend you are serving in Iraq/Afghanistan and are surrounded by vastly superior numbers and in what situation land mines would be advantageous (say your west/east side).

 

 

5 minutes ago, AussieBob18 said:

I dont want to argue with you becasue I think you have no idea - both on what has been allowed and when they can be used.

Here is a reasonable overview - https://www.dw.com/en/us-lifts-restrictions-on-smart-landmines/a-52222622

Have a read and see what you think - rationally and logically - then pretend you are serving in Iraq/Afghanistan and are surrounded by vastly superior numbers and in what situation land mines would be advantageous (say your west/east side).

 

 

What you do in Iraq/Afghanistan?
Is far away from your Homeland.
Why you can not stay there without landmines?
Maybe your are in the wrong place. 

39 minutes ago, tomacht8 said:

Even the intelligent landmines don't know who steps on it.
160 states of this earth have agreed not to use this insidious weapon.

The United States is not one of them.
Shame.

Also electronics never fail, so unintentional deployment is not possible.????

1 hour ago, AussieBob18 said:

I will not respons to all individually who do not agree with me, but as one.

1.  Land mines deployed by USA are not like the old land mines - eg. they can be electronically deactivated and removed.

2. Liike I said - you either know modern military stuff or you dont.

3. Land mines that cause all those problems mentioned are old technology - much is WW2 stuff left in the ground. 

Logic and reason controls emotion and fear in rational people.

I really do love this post. It is almost like you are trying to make these warmongers look bad. 

 

"Trust us, these bombs are the new, very good bombs, they wont kill you unless you're a bad guy".

 

It is difficult to even know if you are serious. I think just stopping while you are way behind would do you a lot of good here. 

2 hours ago, rhyddid said:

The gentleman above means, good news there will be more child, farmer and women who will lose a leg or be on a wheel chair or die, because whatever you "Know Military" staff doesn't allow you to play on innocent people life.

Go to Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, go to see all the amputated limbs museums, go there and talk to those child who lost legs, sight, harms, say to those innocent child, that do not know MILITARY STAFF !

I do not drink beer, i do not know military staff, but i do know very well that mines shall be banned for ever as 95% of their killing powers is used against innocent civilians and innocent child !

Mines are the most human shameful military tools aimed to kill innocent population only, Mines are the most shameful war tool that sadist minds have created. 

Trump approved it, well what you may expect from such kind of disgusting person.

 

Mines can be very useful if used properly and can release soldiers/Military Engineers to be used elsewhere on a conventional battlefield. In the 21st Century it should be possible for them to self destruct or render themselves inert in say 28 days / 6 months in order to prevent the sort of land denials/civil injuries that are still prevalent in places like SE Asia, Bosnia, The Falkland Islands and the middle east long after conflicts have ended. Banning them altogether is an easy option and is popular with the sort that would ban everything, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's the best option per se.

1 hour ago, evadgib said:

Mines can be very useful if used properly and can release soldiers/Military Engineers to be used elsewhere on a conventional battlefield. In the 21st Century it should be possible for them to self destruct or render themselves inert in say 28 days / 6 months in order to prevent the sort of land denials/civil injuries that are still prevalent in places like SE Asia, Bosnia, The Falkland Islands and the middle east long after conflicts have ended. Banning them altogether is an easy option and is popular with the sort that would ban everything, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's the best option per se.

Let's see you guys fill your backyard with these high tech landmines then. We can deactivate them, and have your kids just go frolicking over them. No problem whatsoever, right? 

3 hours ago, sucit said:

I really do love this post. It is almost like you are trying to make these warmongers look bad. 

 

"Trust us, these bombs are the new, very good bombs, they wont kill you unless you're a bad guy".

 

It is difficult to even know if you are serious. I think just stopping while you are way behind would do you a lot of good here. 

Yes and all that drivel comes from an Aussie, maybe we should lie some on the

NSW and Vic borders and South Australian borders.