Improvised explosive device

:IED is also an abbreviation for the Indo-European Etymological Dictionary by Julius Pokorny.

Related Topics:
Indo-European Etymological Dictionary - Julius Pokorny

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An improvised explosive device (IED) is a formal name for explosive devices as used in unconventional warfare by terrorists, guerrillas or commando forces in a theater of operations.

Related Topics:
Explosive - Unconventional warfare - Terrorist - Guerrilla - Commando - Theater of operations

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IEDs have also been used in the dangerous and destructive practice of blast fishing that is now almost universally illegal. http://stigmes.gr/br/brpages/articles/dinambr.htm

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An IED is a device placed or fabricated in an improvised manner incorporating destructive, lethal, noxious, pyrotechnic, or incendiary chemicals and designed to destroy, incapacitate, harass, or distract. It may incorporate military stores, but is normally devised from nonmilitary components.

Related Topics:
Pyrotechnic - Incendiary - Chemicals - Military

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An IED typically consists of an explosive charge, possibly a booster charge, a detonator and a mechanism either mechanical or electronic, known as the initiation system. IEDs are extremely diverse in design, and may contain any type of firing device or initiator, plus various commercial, military, or contrived chemical or explosive fillers.

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Usually, IEDs are of crude design, often failing to detonate. However, terrorist groups have been known to produce sophisticated devices. Highly sophisticated IEDs have been constructed from arming devices scavenged from conventional munitions and easily purchased electronic components, as well as consumer devices such as mobile phones. The degree of sophistication depends on the ingenuity of the designer and the tools and materials available.

Related Topics:
Detonate - Terrorist - Munitions - Electronic - Mobile phone

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These IEDs are mostly conventional high-explosive charges, also known as homemade bombs. However, there is the threat that toxic chemical, biological, or even nuclear (dirty bomb) material can be included to add to the destructive power and psychological effect of the device.

Related Topics:
High-explosive - Bombs - Chemical - Biological - Dirty bomb

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A VBIED is a vehicle borne IED, a U.S. military term describing a car bomb or truck bomb.

Related Topics:
Car bomb - Truck bomb

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