3.2.CAGE (CHANNELLING, AIMING MARKERS, GROUND SIGN, ENVIRONMENT) ‘CAGE’ is an acronym developed by military forces to help personnel recall the properties of a vulnerable point (channelling, aiming (markers), ground sign and environment). CAGE helps to answer the following question:
“Where would it be advantageous for my opponent to use an IED(s)?”
MA staff can then apply this question retrospectively in a post conflict context to consider where would have provided a placement opportunity for an armed group to use an IED(s). This should be considered in conjunction with the intent and capability of the parties to an armed conflict that are assessed to have placed the IED(s). See Annex C of IMAS 07.14 Risk Management in MA for guidance on how to conduct threat assessment. 3.2.1.CHANNELLING Channelling reduces an opposing armed group’s options for manoeuvre, making them more predictable and providing an opportunity to successfully target them with the minimum amount of resources.
Channelled
Image 10. A channelled route between compound walls
In image 10 there is a channelled alley or passageway between numerous compounds and houses. As well as victim operated IEDs (VOIEDs), the damaged wall may mean that there was also an opportunity to use a command IED, as there was also a good line of sight into the alley.
ׁ HINT. Command IEDs provide the advantage of enabling the route to remain “open” as the IED only functions at the armed group’s moment of choosing.
IED indicators
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