STAGE 2 – THREAT ASSESSMENT
A threat assessment must be formulated for the surrounding area and the remains themselves. Consideration should be given to all EO threats which may be present, not just that from IEDs. This may include considerations such as whether or not the remains form part of a VOIED designed to function when they are disturbed. The following list gives some points an IEDD operator may want to consider when formulating a threat assessment for the clearance of human remains:
• Are the remains in a hazardous area (suspected or confirmed)?
• Are the remains from combatants or non-combatants?
• Do combatants have a history of carrying IEDs on their person e.g. suicide belts or improvised grenades?
• Is there a history of corpses being used in conjunction with VOIEDs?
• Are any explosive hazards visible / reported?
• What clothing is present with the remains e.g. military uniform or civilian clothing?
• Is the corpse wearing military load carrying equipment which may contain explosive hazards?
• Has a specific incident occurred in the area?
• Is there a firearm present?
• Does the corpse look out of place where it is situated, or as though it has been tampered with?
ׁ HINT. Just because the remains are not wearing military uniform, does not preclude the possibility that an explosive hazard is present. Suicide bombers and some non-state armed groups wear civilian clothing.
STAGE 3 – CLEARANCE OF SURROUNDING AREA
A safe working area needs to be cleared to provide access to the remains. An assessment will need to be made to the extent that this clearance is required and should consider the authorities who will document and recover the remains. It is logical to clear around the remains first, however it is not mandatory to complete the clearance in its entirety before conducting some form of clearance on the body. This will be driven by the threat assessment.
STAGE 4 – CLEARANCE OF THE REMAINS
This should be prioritised with the highest threat area cleared first working to the lowest. There may be multiple threats present: IEDs, conventional ordnance and loaded firearms in an unsafe state. Appropriate techniques should be used for the clearance, which may include semi-remote procedures and the use of radiography equipment. It is unlikely that this step can be completed until the remains have been moved semi-remotely to give access to all sides.
IEDD techniques and procedures
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