Tripwire
IED main charge
Image 8. Tripwire IED located at an entrance which forms a vulnerable point
This IED consists of a modified fire extinguisher containing an ammonium nitrate and aluminium (ANAL) HME, a knotted detonating cord booster, an electrical detonator, a 9V PP3 battery and a modified clothes peg incorporating electrical contacts held apart by an insulator. When the victim imparts tension on (i.e. pulls) the tripwire the insulator is pulled out of the clothes peg, the electrical contacts close and current can flow, causing the detonator to function.
Electric detonator
HME and detonating cord booster
Separated electrical contacts
Power source
Image 9. Electrical contacts separated by an insulator in the clothes peg. When the wire is pulled the insulator is removed and the IED functions
The main charge in this example is referred to in the UNMAS IED lexicon as a platter charge. It exploits the reduced brisance of the HME, in comparison to military / commercial high explosive (HE), to its advantage. This characteristic means that the explosive power delivers a significant pushing effect. The armed group has removed the bottom of the fire extinguisher and replaced it with a heavy steel plate. When the denotation occurs, this plate is propelled forward at a relatively high velocity. Therefore, there is a forward projection hazard associated with this main charge. Although this is not a shaped charge it does provide a stand-off capability to target lightly armoured vehicles.
IED tactics
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