Pentagon denies Russian reports the U.S. dropped white phosphorus munitions in eastern Syria

The Pentagon has responded to Russian reports that the U.S. dropped white phosphorus munitions on military targets in a civilian area of eastern Syria.

The chemical is mainly used to create large smokescreens, but is also highly flammable and burns the skin right down to the bone.

“At this time, we have not received any reports of any use of white phosphorus,” Pentagon spokesman Commander Sean Robertson said Sunday. “None of the military units in the area are even equipped with white phosphorus munitions of any kind.”

The Russian’s claim the U.S. strikes targeted Islamic State militants near the village of Hajin. Russia says attacks started fierce fires, but said it is unknown if there were any casualties.

RT news outlet first reported the claim from the Russian military that said two US F-15 jets bombed a town in the Syrian Deir Ez-Zor province with white phosphorus munitions, causing massive fires.

The Geneva Convention outlaws using white phosphorus against civilians and military targets when civilians are nearby.