Cluster bombs, or cluster munitions, are fired from the air or the ground. When they explode, they release many smaller explosive charges that spread out over a larger area.
Similar to landmines, cluster bombs are considered to pose a major risk to the civilian population, as explosive charges can remain on the ground undetonated long after the cluster bomb has been used.
Cluster munitions were first used during World War II.
Over 120 states, including Sweden, have signed an international agreement against the use, transfer, production and stockpiling of cluster bombs.
Among the countries that have not signed are the USA, Russia, Ukraine, Finland and Greece.