VIDEO: Russian white phosphorus rains on Islamist rebels in western Aleppo

Intense footage has emerged from this evening purportedly showing white phosphorus airstrikes by Russian jets over the rebel-held countryside of northwestern Aleppo.

The aerial weapon ignites upon impact and can be utilized to devastating effect. At 1:48 in the video below for instance, an ammunition depot is blown up by the white phosphorus:

Although white phosphorus is internationally banned on residential areas, the U.N. does not explicitly ban its use on military targets.

In any case, tonight’s Russian airstrikes are believed to be the preparations of an upcoming Syrian ground offensive in western Aleppo, at the Anadan plains.