2.7.2.RC VBIED VBIEDs are not solely suicide IEDs; they can be utilised with other means of initiation. For example, they can be parked and abandoned at a specific location to be initiated remotely by RC (or other command initiation) or time. If this is the case the vehicle is likely to be ‘covert’ in the sense that it would not be immediately identifiable as a VBIED.
Pole as aiming marker
VBIED
Image 5. RC initiated VBIED positioned adjacent to an aiming marker
In this example a VBIED has been placed adjacent to an aiming marker at a choke point on a main route. The lines of sight into the area are good and the IED is initiated by RC. This location would have been predetermined by the armed group based on it offering an opportunity for them to mount an attack, with the RCIED offering the best capability. The vehicle enables the armed group to drive an IED with a large blast main charge into position quickly. As it is an RCIED there is no physical link between the firing point and the contact point, meaning that the armed group is not restricted to a single firing point and is therefore less vulnerable for being identified.
Vehicle centre console
Electrical wires and quick clip connector forming a circuit
RC receiver
Image 6. Image in detail of the receiver in the VBIED in images 5 and 7 consisting of a mobile phone with add-on circuit and battery
IED tactics
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