Human Rights Watch is voicing concern over a new remote-controlled landmine system called Matrix, which is due to be used for the first time in Iraq.

The Matrix system uses a laptop computer to remotely control both lethal M-18 claymore munitions and nonlethal M-5 crowd-control devices, which contain rubber pellets.

HRW is pressing the Pentagon to explain how a soldier using the system will be able to make a positive identification of his target from great distances. It also wants the US administration to give assurances that the remote-controlled mines can't be inadvertently detonated by civilians.