Video: Syria Drops New ‘Barrel Bomb’ on Aleppo

INN ^ | 9/1/12 | Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu

[Nachum]

Syria killed Aleppo residents with a new Russian-made “barrel bomb,” large old drums stuffed with explosives, oil and pieces steel that maim, kill and terrorize, the London Telegraph reported Sunday morning.

The homemade bomb spread devastation across a wide swath of the commercial hub, as seen in a video published by the London newspaper.

"The sound was like nothing else I've ever heard. It was an almighty whoosh," rebel fighter Mohammed Ibrahim told the Telegraph. The blast perforated his eardrums, but others, including his cousin, were killed by the bomb, which was dropped by low-flying helicopters.

Rebels are desperately trying to hold on to their strongholds as Syrian President Bashar Assad’s tanks ring the city and helicopters and warplanes bomb from above.

Assad continues to ignore world leaders, but United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon still is declaring that “the primary responsibility rest[s] on the government to halt its use of heavy weapons."

[tacticalogic]

But this indicates they have either lost more attack helicopters (probably to spare parts issues) or the attacks they have are over-taxed. Using the urgently needed heavy lift helicopters indicates that somebody, somewhere is going without needed supplies. The bombing is an indication of weakness and desperation. Also, tactically, how effective is a bomb of this nature? The effect will be mostly wasted as there probably aren’t many targets worthy of such a large device.

They're just being eco-friendly, finding a way to re-purpose those broke parts and used oil......

[GeronL]

I think you are right. Probably one of the rebels own bombs went off too early.

I guess Syria is learning about having spare parts and stuff before wars break out.

[SunkenCiv]

From Russia With Love.

Thanks Nachum.

Barrel bombs ‘kill 517 in Aleppo since 15 December’
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25541726