2.7.VEHICLE BORNE IED s
Vehicle borne IEDs 2 (VBIEDs) first became prevalent in the conflict in Northern Ireland during the 1970s. Armed groups recognised the significant advantages that a mobile container, that is common in everyday use and can transport large IEDs, provided as a weapons system. Over the following 50 years VBIEDs have become prolific in many conflicts, especially those involving NSAGs. MA organisations may encounter abandoned VBIEDs that have failed to function, were not deployed or were under construction. It is therefore important that MA staff involved in IEDD operations know the types of VBIEDs that may be encountered. This sub-section is not exhaustive but provides some common examples.
ׁ WARNING. VBIED disposal can be a complex task and only those MA staff that have the competencies stipulated in IMAS 09.31, and / or relevant NMAS, should be involved in such tasks.
2.7.1.ARMOURED VBIED Several NSAGs have used armoured VBIEDs. These are normally suicide devices and used as an offensive weapon against high profile targets such as security force bases and checkpoints. Normally, standard civilian vehicles are adapted, with the armour attached locally, although on occasion military armoured vehicles have been used.
Image 1. Large armoured VBIED
In this example a civilian lorry has been modified specifically to attack a well-defended position. The cab of the vehicle has been armoured with sheet metal to afford some protection from small arms and light weapons (SALW) fire.
Generally, VBIED sizes are classed as the following:
NAME OR ABBREVIATION
VEHICLE TYPE
VBIED
Standard size car
Large VBIED (LVBIED)
Van or large goods vehicle (LGV)
2 UNMAS defines a VBIED as “An IED delivered by or concealed in a ground-based vehicle.”
IED tactics
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