Terrorism - Improvised Explosive Devices

With new insurgent groups rising around the world with various purposes, terrorism has substantially increased. In order to spread terrorist activities, they frequently employ weapons of mass destruction, with improvised explosive devices being one such weapon (IEDs). This study examined the use of the gadgets in the global terrorism tendencies that are currently evolving. In doing so, the following IED-use-related topics have been investigated, with the following results and prompts: Why would this be a terrorist tactic?  The use of IEDs becomes a terrorist activity because they are engineered without any legal consent and then used to kill and destroy innocent civilians and properties respectively. The terrorist uses them mostly in populous areas.

Which terrorists use this strategic method? Why? The identified terrorists making use of the IEDs are the Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab in Africa and the Al-Qaida network that is in most parts of the world but concentrated in the Middle East. The use of the strategy has been identified as effective because of the reason that they can kill many people at a time and the strategy is less expensive. When is this strategic method effective? Why? The effectiveness of the strategy is evident when it is targeted in a crowd where the number of victims is high. This target is more preferred by the terrorists because of the great impact they have. What are the flaws of this strategy? Why? The flaws are based on the functionality and design of the IEDs. They require some complex skills and knowledge hence it cannot be successful without such. What infrastructures support the use of this method as part of a terrorist strategy? How and why? The infrastructure that support the use of the strategy involves the expertise available as well as the components used by the terrorists.



Abstract

The use of weapons in war started a long time ago. In the beginning, people fought with artefacts that were made of wood and later on they advanced to the use of artefacts made of metal such as iron and silver. Today, the World has significantly changed. People are now using weapons that are much more sophisticated. This has led to the rise of groups and uprising such as terrorism.

The primary task of this work is to identify one specific insurgent tactic of utilizing Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) as a means of political terrorism. According to different sources, since October 2001, improvised explosive devices (IEDs, roadside bombs, and suicide car bombs) have been responsible for many of the combat deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan.

There are very many terrorist groups in the world today. However, most of them are from the Middle East and its bordering regions. Some of them originate from different parts of Africa such as the Western and Eastern parts. Each terrorist group has its own mission, targeted goals or mission. There are many different types of terrorism, each one with its own theories, models, and approaches, which can be related to other dimensions of political change.

Vehicle-borne IEDs and car bombs are now used to strike police stations, markets, and mosques, killing local citizens as well as U.S. troops. U.S. forces counter the devices through utilizing intelligence sources, and by disrupting portions of the radio spectrum that insurgents use to trigger IEDs. A good number of countries in the Middle East believe in the use of such devices since they have a greater impact as compared to other devices/weapons.

Key words: improvised explosive devices (IEDs), terrorists, insurgents, bombing.



Improvised Explosive Devices

Introduction

The main purpose of this paper is to write an essay about explosive devices. The explosives may either be explosive or LEDs in particular. Over the past years, there has been an increase in the number of Companies/industries that are making such devices) ("Improvised Explosive Devices", 2017). An explosive device refers to a Bomb that has been made through means that are not parallel to military action ("Improvised Explosive Devices", 2017). In most cases, such bombs are mainly used to target people who are by the roadside.

An explosive device can also be defined as a device that relies on a reaction that is exothermic so that it can cause a reaction ("Improvised Explosive Devices", 2017). Some of the main areas where this device is used include demolition (Building implosion) and excavation sites (mining centers). In the recent past, people have misused these devices and have started using them for terrorist activities ("Improvised Explosive Devices", 2017). They have been used to destroy ships or vehicles as well as kill people who are always unaware of the places that the IEDs are hidden by the individuals using them.



Literature Review

The rate of terrorism has significantly increased in the recent past, people all over the World have divided themselves into terrorists’ groups. Examples of current terrorist groups include ISIS, Al Qaeda, Islamic Jihad Union and Continuity Irish Republican Army (based in the Middle East) ("ISIS Terror: Latest News Stories, Photos & Videos on the ISIS Terror Threat", 2017). In Africa the main terrorist groups include Al Shabab and Boko Haram based in Somali and Nigeria respectively where they propagate terrorist activities within the countries and their neighboring regions. Generally; as much as these groups are not based on religion, most of this terrorist groups are made up of people from the Islamic religion.

Each terrorist group has its own reason for formation. Some are formed to fight for the rights of their people while others are formed to act as an opposition to their government. A good example is Al Shabab in Somalia, this terrorist group was formed to liberate the people and oppose the current regime Government. Basically, there are different types of terrorism. Each form of terrorism has its own model, approaches and theory. Since its inception, improvised explosive devices such as roadside and car bombs have killed a considerable number of people.

In reference to Iraq and Afghanistan, these types of explosives have killed thousands innocent souls ("ISIS Terror: Latest News Stories, Photos & Videos on the ISIS Terror Threat", 2017). Based on research from different books and sources, IEDs have been used to kill and strike people in Police Stations, Mosques and Churches etc. Hence the people responsible for the deployment of the devices always target where there are large gatherings resulting to high number of killings and fatalities. Building such devices requires a lot of skills and attention, it requires people who are highly trained in technology. Basically, these devices are built using electronic parts that are taken from electronic devices such as phones and radios ("Improvised Explosive Devices", 2017).

During the Iraq war that was fought between 2003 and 2011, these devices were used extensively. Both U.S militants and Iraq fighters used this device to fight off each other ("Improvised Explosive Devices", 2017). Examples of areas that have fallen short/victims of improvised bombings include the USS Cole bombing of 2000, the Boston Marathon Bombing in 1984 and the Oklahoma City Bombing in the year 1995("Improvised Explosive Devices", 2017). Basically, this are just but a few of the main bombings that are associated with the explosive devices.

Why is this a terrorist strategy?

As mentioned above, there are very many terrorist groups in the society. Each terrorist group fights for its own rights and freedom. It also has its own fighting strategies. Since 2007, the rate at which terrorist groups use the devices has decreased ("Bombs and Explosives", 2017). Most of the groups have switched to using the IED devices. According to a survey that was conducted by the U.S forces and the Afghan Department of Defense, it has been established that Both Iraq and Afghan are using a new IED technology since they have a massive impact as compared to the other types of Bombs ("Bombs and Explosives", 2017).

Most of the terrorists use these explosive devices as a weapon of mass destruction since it leads to mass destruction of people and property ("Bombs and Explosives", 2017). Based on the recent scenarios where there have been cases of reported bombings by such explosive devices, the terrorist groups have been able to meet their targets. Secondly, most groups choose to use such devices since they are automated Bombs and Explosives", 2017). Explosive devices can be automated to blow after a particular time. Generally, this means they are the right weapon for destruction when it comes to timing the enemy.

Explosive devices and IEDs are a terrorist strategy since some of the terrorists use these devices to kill others. In reference to this case, some of the terrorists’ act as suicide bombers ("Bombs and Explosives", 2017). Suicide Bombers, attach explosive devices on their bodies. They may wrap the devices all over their chest and target an area that is converged with many people. An example of an area that is converged with very many people includes a Stadium, an airport, social halls or schools. In most cases, suicide bombers are normally young girls and Women ("Why Terrorists Use Female and Child Suicide Bombers", 2017). Basically, this is a very effective terrorism strategy, very many people end up dead whilst only one person from the terrorist group loses their life. In fact, this is the main reason why terrorist use suicide bombing as their main strategy ("Why Terrorists Use Female and Child Suicide Bombers", 2017). The results are much more pleasant as compared to other forms/fighting strategies.

It is also important to note the fact that these devices has devastating effects as compared to other forms weapons. As compared to guns, explosive devices are much significant in the sense that it clears the enemy much more fasters and effectively ("Bombs and Explosives", 2017). The chances of the targeted enemy to survive in the event where explosives are used is minimal as compared to the chances where the gun are used ("Bombs and Explosives", 2017). As mentioned earlier, these devices cause massive destruction. Many people end up dying, the chances of survival are minimal. In a gun instance, the enemy might end up surviving. As much as gun wounds might be fatal, some people manage to survive. Most of the victims that are associated with bombings by explosive devices hardly survive, in case they do, they end up having different body complications. Some end up living with disabilities as a result of being incapacitated by the impact of the bombing of the IEDs.

Which terrorists use this strategy and why

As discussed above, there are very many terrorist’s groups in the World. Each group has its own fighting strategy. In the recent past, almost all the terrorist’s groups have embarked into using these explosives since they have an outcome that is desirable to their interests, goals or objectives. Generally, some of the main terrorist groups that use these devices are Al Qaeda which is responsible for several bombings all over the entire of Europe and America ("Al Qaeda", 2017).

Most of these devices have proved to be successful to Al Qaeda in the sense that they have instilled fear and tension among its enemies ("Al Qaeda", 2017). In the current World, people link terrorist groups with bombings. They also link terrorists with these explosive devices. A good example that can be used to prove the fact that terrorist groups have achieved their target of scaring people is the fact that when you look at bomb pranks in the social media or other sites that upload videos such as YouTube, people tend to freak and run away when they counter people who are pretending to be terrorists. Based on this scenario; it is quite evident that people fear terrorists, this means that the strategy being used by the terrorists is working.

The other reason why terrorists choose to use these devices is the fact that sustaining a war based on the use of other weapons is expensive ("Bombs and Explosives", 2017). It is quite obvious that you cannot compare a war that is based on explosives and that based on guns, the reason why the latter is expensive is because it requires ammunition such as bullets and gun powder (Pantucci, 2017). This greatly increases the cost of war; on the other hand, explosives are much cheaper in the sense that once they are made, they are ready for use (explosion) they do not require extra budgets. The use of explosives in a war is also cheaper since a single bomb can be used to kill multiple people whereas multiple bullets ought to be used to ensure that the enemy is completely destroyed (Pantucci, 2017).

The third reason why terrorists choose the explosives is the fact that most of the terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda and Al Shabab believe the fact those who sacrifice their lives for the benefit of the group will be awarded in Heaven ("Al Qaeda", 2017). They believe in the fact that when you kill your opponent or those who are against the survival and well-being of the terrorist group, God will reward you with Gold and beautiful wives. They also believe in the fact that God will give you abundant wealth that is endless ("Al Qaeda", 2017). As a result of this promises and believes, most of the terrorists offer their lives to become suicide bombers since they are not afraid of dying, they already have their mind set. They believe in the fact that heavenly riches await them and so they’d rather sacrifice their body and their worldly belonging to be in heaven where there is eternal life for them full of joy.

The fourth reason that makes the Al Qaeda and other terrorists groups such as ISIS to use explosive devices as compared to other forms/engines of death such as poison is the fact that explosives bring much more media attention ("Al Qaeda", 2017). Based on this example, it is safe to state the fact that deaths that are caused by other forms or engines do not have a lot of media attention ("Al Qaeda", 2017). On the other hand; when we look at instances that reflect on explosives, the media gives it a lot of attention.

Most terrorist groups work in manner where they would like their activities to be recognized. For instance, the Al Qaeda group has claimed it is behind several bombings in the past. Generally; based on this point, it is safe to state the fact that Al Qaeda believe in the use of this explosives since their impact is felt greatly. Al Qaeda works by creating fear and intimidating people, they want to prove the fact that they are strong and capable of causing massive destruction and as a result people should fear them.

The fifth point is the fact that terrorists use these explosives to ensure that they create an impact or a response to the targeted community ( Terrorism, 2017). In this case, it is quite obvious that situations that are related with bombings by the IED attract a lot of attention and responses. Al Qaeda and most of the terrorist groups like getting attention and responses from people ( Terrorism, 2017). Most of the explosives are also impactful since their outcry is much louder. Individuals that are related with such bombings have a louder outcry as compared to those that are held captive or attacked by other weapons.

Lastly, the main reason why Al Qaeda chooses to use these explosives is the fact they are more effective and less prone to failure ( Terrorism, 2017). Other weapons such as knives and guns are prone to failure, the opponent may end surviving. There are very few reported cases where people have survived in the event of a bombing. This means that explosives are the ultimate weapons of destruction since the chances of survival are minimal/less. A single devise is capable of doing great damage depending on where it is hidden and since the devices are always targeting large crowds and buildings, their impacts are always great with significant loss of life and properties.

What the flaws of using this strategy

The term flaw refers to the weakness that is associated with something in particular. In this case, some of the flaws that are related with the use of explosives will be highlighted. Despite the fact that explosives have a wide advantage over other forms of weapons, they also have their own downward side as far as their operation and effectiveness are concerned. The first flaw is the fact that some of the explosives may end up not detonating, the reason behind this is the fact some bombs may not be properly built ( Terrorism, 2017). This leads to general failure.

Secondly, people who use these explosives risk their lives. In this case, suicide bombers must die. They cannot survive the tragedy since they are first hand victims ("What is an IED? How improvised explosive devices are used in terrorist bombings like Parsons Green", 2017). Generally, we can say that someone from the terrorist group has to sacrifice their life. Another flaw is the fact that improper timing may lead to the failure of the plan. Bombing using the explosive devices requires a lot of patience and timing of the target failure to which you may end destroying the wrong targets.

The next flaw is the fact that building such explosives is difficult, time consuming and requires a lot of electronic parts ("What is an IED? How improvised explosive devices are used in terrorist bombings like Parsons Green", 2017). Some of these parts are hard to find and connect. It is also important to note the fact that explosives can only be made by people who are have technology in that area. A normal person without skills in making bombs cannot be able to configure one ("What is an IED? How improvised explosive devices are used in terrorist bombings like Parsons Green", 2017). Technically, this means that terrorist groups ought to have people who are endowed with such kind of knowledge and skills. In the event that such people are not available for the task the terrorists remain helpless as far as the effective use of IEDs is concerned.

Fourthly, most of the explosives can easily be contaminated as compared to before. Today, at least every Country has a group/unit that has specialized in curbing this danger. This means that in case the people in this unit are notified in time, they can be able to control the situation ("What is an IED? How improvised explosive devices are used in terrorist bombings like Parsons Green", 2017). Generally, this is a major setback to the terrorist groups since most of their missions end up aborted.

The next flaw of terrorist groups using explosives is the fact that explosives end up killing or injuring everybody which includes those who were not targeted ("What is an IED? How improvised explosive devices are used in terrorist bombings like Parsons Green", 2017). In this case, guns are very precise and direct. In the event where they are used by a person who knows how to operate it, one cannot shoot someone who is not their targets. When we look at explosives, these devices end up exploding anyone in the targeted area without any form of biasness.

Why? And what infrastructures support the use of this method as part of a terrorist strategy. How and why?

The use of this devices is greatly supported through different infrastructures by the terrorist groups since it is their main strategy ("Improvised Explosive Device | News, Videos & Articles", 2017). Generally, most of the terrorist groups have combined their resources and invested in the making of bombs which is their main stronghold. It is believed that terrorist groups have a considerable number of people who have specialized in the making of such bombs ("Improvised Explosive Device | News, Videos & Articles", 2017). Some of the main infrastructures that support the use of this terrorist strategy include the availability of roads, diverse areas where people assemble in large numbers such as Churches, Mosques and Stadiums.

In this case, terrorists take advantage of the situation and send suicide bombers who attack such areas ("Improvised Explosive Device | News, Videos & Articles", 2017). They also end up planting bombs along infrastructures such as roads and buildings. Terrorists use this strategy since it favors their side. They can be able to attack frequently without the knowledge of their opponents. Based on this example, it is safe to state the fact that infrastructure such as roads, buildings such as Churches and Mosques support the use of explosive devices since people will still visit such places even after there has been an attack ("Improvised Explosive Device | News, Videos & Articles", 2017). Generally; in order to deal with the issue of insecurity and terrorism, a lot of emphasis and security should be placed in such areas

Conclusion

In conclusion, Explosive devices or Improvised explosive devices are very lethal/deadly when it comes to the destruction of your opponent. As discussed, most terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda and Al Shabab use these devices so that they can be able to cause confusion and instill fear among its targets. Most of this terrorist groups also believe that the use of this devices creates more media attention, they believe that their presence will be felt much more if they use bombs as compared to other assassin weapons.

Terrorism is something that is difficult to eliminate, each terrorist group has its own visions and targets. Some have been formed to act as a liberation to their people while others have been formed to attack/destroy their current regime or form of Government. Basically, this paper has listed some of the reasons why terrorists use these devices, why they target infrastructures and what keeps them going.



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