2.4. IED s TARGETING DISPOSAL PROCEDURES VOIEDs provide an advantage to an armed group seeking to deliberately target IEDD operators. By observing how IEDD tasks are completed they are able to identify patterns that provide opportunities to target certain actions. A suitable IED can then be developed in order to exploit the opportunity identified. Predominately, it is security force IEDD operators, or other personnel conducting ‘self-help’ disposal, that provide the majority of targetable actions. However, as the armed group that placed the VOIED does not need to be present when the disposal task is being completed for it to be effective, these types of IED can remain a threat after the conflict has ended. They are, therefore, of particular concern to MA organisations.
The following example is used to illustrate the targeting of patterns and specifically manual IEDD actions.
2.4.1.MANUALLY CUTTING DETONATING CORD The manual cutting of detonating cord is a procedure that has historically been conducted as a form of threat mitigation in conventional mine clearance when booby traps are encountered. The aim has been to reduce the NEQ should a detonation occur. However, there are many types, colours and thicknesses of commercial and military detonating cord, as well as endless options for improvised detonating cord variants, such as surgical tubing filled with booster grade explosives. This means that there is an opportunity to replace detonating cord with another component which very closely resembles it. The following IED is a ‘come on’ device intended to resemble a VOIED (crush wire) targeting a doorway. A length of blue cable, similar to a CAT5 cable commonly used to link computer hardware, has been incorporated to resemble detonating cord. A wooden dowel has been taped onto the end of the cable to resemble a detonator.
More CAT5 detonating cord than ‘normal’ has been left protruding from the main charge, making for an attractive component for an IEDD operator to target.
Main charge
Blue CAT5 cord
Crush wire VO switch
Image 1. Obvious ‘come on’ IED placed in a doorway, with blue CAT5 cord resembling detonating cord
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