Considering the fortified house in Image 4, if an armed group was defending this strongpoint, they would likely emplace the majority of IEDs at a distance of 50–300 m. This would mean that an explosive obstacle could be covered by SALW fire to increase the effectiveness of the obstacle, while still affording separation between the defensive position and the attacking group. However, if the armed group planned to withdraw, they may have decided to disturb the occupation of the house by placing further IEDs at vulnerable points (VPs) in, and immediately around, the position. These VPs could include the perimeter entrances, pathways, doorways and underneath ground floor windows.
Image 6. Discarded ammunition containers indicate that fighting has occurred in the area
Other IED indicators include discarded military ancillaries such as ammunition containers and packaging, as shown in Image 6 and Image 7. In general, these indicate that fighting has taken place, but more specifically they may also provide further evidence of the nature of the IED contamination that may be present. An example of this would be boxes for conventional projectiles (shells) but no indications that an artillery position was located at the site. These projectiles may have been used as main charges in IEDs.
Image 7. Abandoned ammunition packaging
IED indicators
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