Website Glossary

A homemade explosive device constructed and deployed in a non-conventional manner, IEDs are created using readily available materials, such as explosives, triggering mechanisms (such as timers, remote controls, or pressure plates), and containers (such as pipes, cans, or vehicles) to conceal and deliver the explosive charge. Often used by insurgent groups, terrorists, or other non-state actors in asymmetrical warfare, terrorism, or guerrilla tactics, IEDs pose a significant threat to military personnel, civilians, and infrastructure, as they can be easily concealed, deployed remotely, and targeted at specific locations or individuals.