Editing Improvised explosive device (section)

==Background==
{{More citations needed section|date=April 2020}}
[[File:IED_-_pipebomb.png|thumb|X-ray of a suitcase showing a [[pipe bomb]] and a laptop]]
An IED is a [[bomb]] fabricated in an improvised manner incorporating destructive, lethal, noxious, [[pyrotechnic]], or [[incendiary device|incendiary]] [[chemical industry|chemicals]] and designed to destroy or incapacitate personnel or vehicles. In some cases, IEDs are used to distract, disrupt, or delay an opposing force, facilitating another type of attack.<ref name="AAP-6">{{cite book | title = NATO Glossary of Terms and Definitions (AAP-6) | year = 2010 | publisher = [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization]] | url = http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/doctrine/other/aap6.pdf | pages = 2–1–2 | access-date = 28 November 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151017194022/http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/doctrine/other/aap6.pdf | archive-date = 17 October 2015 | url-status = dead }}</ref> IEDs may incorporate military or commercially sourced explosives, and often combine both types, or they may otherwise be made with homemade explosives (HME).{{Citation needed|date=April 2020}} An HME lab refers to a Homemade Explosive Lab, or the physical location where the devices are crafted.{{Citation needed|date=April 2020}}

An IED has five components: a switch (activator), an initiator (fuse), container (body), charge (explosive), and a power source (battery). An IED designed for use against armoured targets such as personnel carriers or tanks will be designed for armour penetration, by using a [[shaped charge]] that creates an [[explosively formed penetrator]].  IEDs are extremely diverse in design and may contain many types of initiators, detonators, penetrators, and explosive loads.{{Citation needed|date=April 2020}}

[[File:Flickr - Israel Defense Forces - Large Explosives Lab Uncovered in Nablus.jpg|thumb|right|A bomb-making workshop discovered by Israeli Defense Forces in 2002, containing a large collection of nuts, bolts, and ball bearings to be used as shrapnel.]]
Antipersonnel IEDs typically also contain fragmentation-generating objects such as nails, ball bearings or even small rocks to cause wounds at greater distances than blast pressure alone could.{{Citation needed|date=April 2020}} In the conflicts of the 21st century, anti-personnel improvised explosive devices (IED) have partially replaced conventional or military [[landmines]] as the source of injury to dismounted (pedestrian) soldiers and civilians.{{Citation needed|date=April 2020}} These injuries were reported in ''[[BMJ Open]]'' to be far worse with IEDs than with [[landmines]] resulting in multiple limb [[amputation]]s and lower body mutilation.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors= Smith S et al.|date= 2017|title= Injury profile suffered by targets of antipersonnel improvised explosive devices: prospective cohort study|journal= BMJ Open|volume= 7|issue= 7|page= e014697|doi= 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014697|pmc= 5691184|pmid= 28835410}}</ref> This combination of injuries has been given the name "Dismounted Complex Blast Injury" and is thought to be the worst survivable injury ever seen in war.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors= Cannon JW et al.|date= 2016|title= Dismounted Complex Blast Injuries: A Comprehensive Review of the Modern Combat Experience.|url= http://www.journalacs.org/article/S1072-7515(16)30689-5/fulltext|journal= J Am Coll Surg|volume= 223|issue= 4|pages= 652–664|doi= 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2016.07.009|pmid= 27481095|access-date= 28 August 2017|url-access= subscription}}</ref>

IEDs are triggered by various methods, including remote control, infrared or magnetic triggers, pressure-sensitive bars or trip wires (victim-operated). In some cases, multiple IEDs are wired together in a [[daisy chain (electrical engineering)|daisy chain]] to attack a convoy of vehicles<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83P4pNkl7C4&t=4s|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405143804/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83P4pNkl7C4&t=4s|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 April 2017|title=Insane IED Daisy Chain Attack in Syria|last=genel bakış|date=30 May 2013|via=YouTube}}</ref> spread out along a roadway.

IEDs made by inexperienced designers or with substandard materials may fail to [[detonation|detonate]], and in some cases, they detonate on either the maker or the placer of the device. Some groups, however, have been known to produce sophisticated devices constructed with components scavenged from conventional [[munition]]s and standard consumer [[electronics]] components, such as mobile phones, [[Family Radio Service|consumer-grade two-way radios]], washing machine timers, pagers, or garage door openers.{{Citation needed|date=April 2020}} The sophistication of an IED depends on the training of the designer and the tools and materials available.

IEDs may use artillery shells or conventional [[explosive material|high-explosive]] charges as their explosive load as well as homemade explosives. However, the threat exists that [[Toxicity|toxic]] [[chemical warfare|chemical]], [[biological warfare|biological]], or radioactive ([[dirty bomb]]) material may be added to a device, thereby creating other life-threatening effects beyond the shrapnel, concussive blasts and fire normally associated with bombs. [[Chlorine]] liquid has been [[Chlorine bombings in Iraq|added to IEDs in Iraq]], producing clouds of [[chlorine]] gas.{{Citation needed|date=April 2020}}

A '''[[Car bomb|vehicle-borne IED]]''', or '''VBIED''', is a military term for a [[car bomb]] or truck bomb but can be any type of transportation such as a bicycle, motorcycle, donkey ({{vanchor|DBIED}}<!-- A "Donkey-borne IED?" --><ref>{{citation|title=Afghanistan|series=Country Travel Guide Series|publisher=[[Lonely Planet]]|first=Paul|last=Clammer|year=2007|page=171|isbn=9781740596428|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PjhP76JaVgkC&pg=PA71}}
</ref>), etc. They are typically employed by [[insurgent]]s, in particular [[ISIS]],{{Citation needed|date=April 2020}} and can carry a relatively large payload. They can also be detonated from a remote location. VBIEDs can create additional shrapnel through the destruction of the vehicle itself and use vehicle fuel as an [[incendiary weapon]]. The act of a person's being in this vehicle and detonating it is known as an SVBIED [[Suicide attack|suicide]].

Of increasing popularity among insurgent forces in Iraq is the house-borne IED, or HBIED, from the common military practice of clearing houses; insurgents rig an entire house to detonate and collapse shortly after a clearing squad has entered.{{Citation needed|date=April 2020}}

===By warhead===
The ''Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms'' (JCS Pub 1-02) includes two definitions for improvised devices: improvised explosive devices (IED) and [[improvised nuclear device]] (IND).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/jel/new_pubs/jp1_02.pdf |title=JP 1-02 Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms |access-date=18 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081123014953/http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/jel/new_pubs/jp1_02.pdf |archive-date=23 November 2008 }}</ref> These definitions address the ''Nuclear'' and ''Explosive'' in ''CBRNe''. That leaves chemical, biological and radiological undefined. Four definitions have been created to build on the structure of the JCS definition. Terms have been created to standardize the language of first responders and members of the military and to correlate the operational picture.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbrneworld.com/images/CBRNe_WORLD.pdf |title=CBRNe World pages |access-date=18 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325102212/http://www.cbrneworld.com/images/CBRNe_WORLD.pdf |archive-date=25 March 2009 }}</ref>

====Explosive====
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 non-military components.<ref name="AAP-6"/>

====Explosively formed penetrator/projectiles (EFPs)====
[[File:Improvised explosive device explosively formed penetrator Iraq.jpg|thumb|upright|Improvised explosive device in Iraq. The [[wiktionary:Concave|concave]] copper shape on top defines an [[explosively formed penetrator]]/projectile.]]

IEDs have been deployed in the form of [[Explosively formed penetrator|explosively formed projectile]]s (EFP), a special type of [[shaped charge]] that is effective at long standoffs from the target (50 meters or more), however their accuracy is limited due to the way in which EFPs are produced.  The large "slug" projected from the explosion has no stabilization because it has no tail fins and it does not spin like a bullet from a rifle.  Without this stabilization the trajectory can not be accurately determined beyond 50 meters.  An EFP is essentially a cylindrical shaped charge with a machined concave metal disc (often copper) in front, pointed inward. The force of the shaped charge turns the disc into a high velocity slug<!-- Should have been said towards the beginning of this paragraph. -->, capable of penetrating the armor of many vehicles.

====Directionally focused charges====
Directionally focused charges (also known as directionally focused fragmentary charges depending on the construction) are very similar to EFPs, with the main difference being that the top plate is usually flat and not concave. It also is not made with machined copper but much cheaper cast or cut metal.<!-- I believe that this should be more general and not be restricted to a specific material. This is for one, a "improvised" device. Regardless it should have a citation. --> When made for fragmentation, the contents of the charge are usually nuts, bolts, ball bearings and other similar shrapnel products and explosive. If it only consists of the flat metal plate, it is known as a platter charge, serving a similar role as an EFP with reduced effect but easier construction.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Superbomb Mystery: The Herrhaussen Assassination|magazine=WIRED}}</ref>

====Chemical====
A device incorporating the toxic attributes of chemical materials designed to result in the dispersal of toxic chemical materials for the purpose of creating a primary patho-physiological toxic effect (morbidity and mortality), or secondary psychological effect (causing fear and [[behavior modification]]) on a larger population. Such devices may be fabricated in a completely improvised manner or may be an improvised modification to an existing weapon.{{Citation needed|date=April 2020}}

====Biological====
A device incorporating biological materials designed to result in the dispersal of vector borne biological material for the purpose of creating a primary patho-physiological toxic effect (morbidity and mortality), or secondary psychological effect (causing fear and behavior modification) on a larger population.{{according to whom?|date=October 2024}}

====Incendiary====
A device making use of exothermic chemical reactions designed to result in the rapid spread of fire for the purpose of creating a primary patho-physiological effect (morbidity and mortality), or secondary psychological effect (causing fear and behavior modification) on a larger population or it may be used with the intent of gaining a tactical advantage. Such devices may be fabricated in a completely improvised manner or may be an improvised modification to an existing weapon. A common type of this is the [[Molotov cocktail]].{{Citation needed|date=April 2020}}

====Radiological====
A speculative device incorporating radioactive materials designed to result in the dispersal of radioactive material for the purpose of area denial and economic damage, and/or for the purpose of creating a primary patho-physiological toxic effect (morbidity and mortality), or secondary psychological effect (causing fear and behavior modification) on a larger population. Such devices may be fabricated in a completely improvised manner or may be an improvised modification to an existing nuclear weapon. Also called a Radiological Dispersion Device (RDD) or "[[dirty bomb]]".{{Citation needed|date=April 2020}}

====Nuclear====
[[Improvised nuclear device]] of most likely [[Gun-type fission weapon|gun-type]] or [[Nuclear weapon design#Implosion-type weapon|implosion-type]].{{according to whom?|date=October 2024}}

===By delivery mechanism===

====Car====
{{Main|Car bomb}}
[[File:Iraq carbomb.jpg|thumb|[[Artillery shell]]s and gasoline cans discovered in the back of a pick-up truck in Iraq]]

A vehicle may be laden with explosives, set to explode by remote control or by a passenger/driver, commonly known as a [[car bombs|car bomb]] or vehicle-borne IED (VBIED, pronounced ''vee-bid''). On occasion the driver of the car bomb may have been coerced into delivery of the vehicle under duress, a situation known as a [[proxy bomb]]. Distinguishing features are low-riding vehicles with excessive weight, vehicles with only one passenger, and ones where the interior of the vehicles look as if they have been stripped down and built back up.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Improvised explosive device Background, Counterefforts, Historical Usage |url=https://epapernews.org/en/improvised_explosive_device-2204440660 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109192434/https://epapernews.org/en/improvised_explosive_device-2204440660 |archive-date=January 9, 2022 |access-date=July 27, 2022 |website=EPaperNews}}</ref> Car bombs can carry thousands of pounds of explosives<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-01-17 |title=ISIS is dropping bombs with drones in Iraq |url=https://www.popsci.com/isis-is-dropping-bombs-with-drones-in-iraq/ |access-date=2022-07-27 |website=Popular Science |language=en-US|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321051942/https://www.popsci.com/isis-is-dropping-bombs-with-drones-in-iraq/|archive-date=March 21, 2023}}</ref> and may be augmented with [[Fragmentation (weaponry)|shrapnel]] to increase fragmentation.

[[ISIS]] has used truck bombs with devastating effects.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW_F2ntQOcQ| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010122035/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW_F2ntQOcQ&feature=youtu.be| archive-date=2017-10-10 | url-status=dead|title=Drone View Of New ISIS Car Bombs in the Battle For Mosul|website=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGIiD-uG4oE| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405152710/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGIiD-uG4oE| archive-date=2017-04-05 | url-status=dead|title=ISIS Using Suicide Trucks To Destroy Iraqi Tanks (Mosul Battlefield)|last=Non Mirage Truth Vision|date=22 November 2016|via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Havj9wD_-w|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319021541/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Havj9wD_-w|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 March 2017|title=+18 – "Islamic State" jihadists' VBIED attacks – March 2017 – Mosul, Iraq|website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

====Boat (WBIED)====
Water-borne Improvised Explosive Devices (WBIED), i.e. boats carrying explosives, can be used against ships and areas connected to water. 

An early example of this type was the Japanese [[Shinyo (suicide boat)|Shinyo]] suicide boats during [[World War II]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oliver |first=Mark |date=2021-09-04 |title=Inside The Kamikaze, The Last-Ditch Suicide Attacks Of World War 2 Japan |url=https://allthatsinteresting.com/kamikaze-pilots |access-date=2022-07-22 |website=All That's Interesting |language=en-US|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305074220/https://allthatsinteresting.com/kamikaze-pilots|archive-date=March 5, 2023}}</ref> The boats were filled <!-- Excessive use of the word "laden." Changed to filled. -->with explosives and attempted to ram Allied ships, sometimes successfully, having sunk or severely damaged several American ships by war's end. Suicide bombers used a boat-borne IED to attack the [[USS Cole bombing|USS Cole]]; US and UK troops have also been killed by boat-borne IEDs in Iraq.<ref name="Steinhofer" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6146844.stm |title=UK &#124; Iraq boat attack personnel named |work=BBC News |date=14 November 2006 |access-date=18 October 2009}}</ref> The [[Sea Tigers|Tamil Tigers Sea Tigers]] have also been known to use SWBIEDs during the [[Sri Lankan civil war|Sri Lankan Civil War]].{{according to whom?|date=October 2024}}

WBIEDs have been used in the Red Sea.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.solaceglobal.com/report/water-borne-improvised-explosive-devices-wbied/ | title=Water Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (WBIED)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.maritimeglobalsecurity.org/media/1059/2023-11-24-interim-industry-transit-advice-srs-goa.pdf |title=1 INTERIM INDUSTRY TRANSIT ADVICE, SOUTHERN RED SEA, AND GULF OF ADEN – NOVEMBER 2023 |date=24 November 2023 |website=maritimeglobalsecurity.org |access-date=11 March 2024}}</ref>

====Animal====
{{Main|Animal-borne bomb attacks}}

Monkeys and [[war pig]]s were used as incendiaries around 1000 AD.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-09-15 |title=In Ancient Rome flaming war pigs were used to counter elephants |url=https://www.thevintagenews.com/2016/09/15/ancient-rome-flaming-war-pigs-used-counter-elephants/ |access-date=2022-07-22 |website=The Vintage News |language=en|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113210217/https://www.thevintagenews.com/2016/09/15/ancient-rome-flaming-war-pigs-used-counter-elephants/?firefox=1|archive-date= January 13, 2023}}</ref> More famously the "[[anti-tank dog]]" and "[[bat bomb]]" were developed during World War II. In recent times, a two-year-old child and seven other people were killed by explosives strapped to a horse in the town of Chita in [[Colombia]].<ref name="horsebomb">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3098746.stm |title='Horse bomb' hits Colombia town |work=BBC News |date=11 September 2003 |access-date=18 October 2009}}</ref> The carcasses of certain animals were also used to conceal explosive devices by the [[Iraqi insurgency (Iraq War)|Iraqi insurgency]].{{cn|date=June 2023}}

====Collar====
{{Redirect|Collar bomb|the 2021 Indian film|Collar Bomb (film)}}
IEDs strapped to the necks of farmers have been used on at least three occasions by guerrillas in Colombia, as a way of extortion.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3036664.stm |title=Experts defuse necklace bomb |work=BBC News |date=1 July 2003 |access-date=18 October 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/751237.stm |title='Necklace' bomb halts Colombia talks |work=BBC News |date=16 May 2000 |access-date=18 October 2009}}</ref> American [[pizza delivery]] man [[Brian Douglas Wells]] was killed in 2003 by an explosive fastened to his neck, purportedly under duress from the maker of the bomb.<ref>{{cite journal | first =John | last =Caniglia | date =11 July 2007 | title ="Brian Wells" Erie bombing 'victim' was in on bank robbery | journal =The Plain Dealer | url = http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2007/07/man_forced_to_rob_bank_with_a.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113210233/https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2007/07/man_forced_to_rob_bank_with_a.html|archive-date=January 13, 2023 }}</ref> In 2011 a schoolgirl in Sydney, Australia had a [[Mosman bomb hoax|suspected collar bomb attached to her]] by an attacker in her home. The device was removed by police after a ten-hour operation and proved to be a [[hoax]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/bomb-device-attached-to-mosman-schoolgirl-was-a-very-very-elaborate-hoax-20110804-1icbe.html|title='Bomb' device attached to Mosman schoolgirl was a 'very, very elaborate hoax'|work=smh.com.au|access-date=4 August 2011|date=4 August 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204111629/https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/bomb-device-attached-to-mosman-schoolgirl-was-a-very-very-elaborate-hoax-20110804-1icbe.html|archive-date=February 4, 2023}}</ref>

====Suicide====
[[Suicide bombing]] usually refers to an individual wearing explosives and detonating them to kill others including themselves, the bomber will conceal explosives on and around their person, commonly using a [[suicide belt|vest]], and will use a timer or some other trigger to detonate the explosives. The logic behind such attacks is the belief that an IED delivered by a human has a greater chance of achieving success than any other method of attack. In addition, there is the psychological impact of child soldiers prepared to deliberately sacrifice themselves for their cause.<!-- This comment is not appropriate for this section and should be used in a corresponding section. --><ref name="Hunter" />

====Surgically implanted====
{{Main|Surgically implanted explosive device}}
In May 2012 American [[counter-terrorism]] officials leaked their acquisition of documents describing the preparation and use of surgically implanted improvised explosive devices.<ref name=DailyBeast2012-05-14>
{{cite news
| url         = http://www.thedailybeast.com//content/newsweek/2012/05/13/al-qaeda-s-body-bombs-al-asiri-s-next-threat.html
| title       = Ibrahim al-Asiri: The Body Bomb Menace
| publisher   = [[The Daily Beast]]
| date        = 14 May 2012
| access-date  = 14 May 2012
| quote       = Newsweek has learned that U.S. intelligence officials circulated a secret report that laid out in vivid detail how doctors working for al-Asiri had developed the surgical technique. An American government source familiar with the report described it as 15 to 20 pages, single spaced, and replete with schematics and pictures. "It was almost like something you’d see in Scientific American," the source said.
| author      = Daniel Klaidman, Christopher Dickey
}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20120514050214/http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/05/13/al-qaeda-s-body-bombs-al-asiri-s-next-threat.html mirror]</ref><ref name=Boing2012-05-14>
{{cite news
 |url=http://boingboing.net/2012/05/14/youre-the-bomb-surgically.html 
 |title=You da bomb! (surgically-implanted explosives) 
 |publisher=[[Boing boing]] 
 |date=14 May 2012 
 |access-date=14 May 2012 
 |quote=According to Newsweek, US intelligence officials report that al Qaeda's explosives expert Ibrahim al-Asiri and medical doctors have been designing bombs to be surgically implanted into the bodies of suicide bombers. The idea is that the technique would somehow foil airport scanners. Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, "You da bomb!" 
 |author=David Pescovitz 
 |url-status=live
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517033413/http://boingboing.net/2012/05/14/youre-the-bomb-surgically.html
 |archive-date=17 May 2012
}}</ref><ref name=IBTimes-2012-05-14>{{cite news
 |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/340801/20120514/al-qaida-s-body-bombs-increase-fears.htm 
 |title=Al-Qaida's 'Body Bombs' increase Fears of Global Attacks by Master Bomb-Maker Ibrahim Hassan Tali al-Asiri 
 |work=[[International Business Times]] 
 |date=14 May 2012 
 |access-date=14 May 2012 
 |quote=Experts and intelligence sources say the terrorists could use the powerful explosive pentaerythritol tetranitrate, known as PETN and insert it in the bodies of would-be suicide bombers. According to reports they would then be able to detonate the implanted explosives via injections. The bombs would not be detectable to airport body scanner, increasing risks of attacks similar to the 2011 September attack on the Twin Towers in New York and on the Pentagon. 
 |author=Anissa Haddadi 
 |url-status=live
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610051119/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/340801/20120514/al-qaida-s-body-bombs-increase-fears.htm
 |archive-date=10 June 2012
 }}</ref>
The devices were designed to evade detection.
The devices were described as containing no metal, so they could not be detected by X-rays.{{according to whom?|date=October 2024}}

Security officials referred to bombs being surgically implanted into suicide bombers' "[[Abdominal obesity|love handles]]".<ref name=DailyBeast2012-05-14/>

According to the ''[[Daily Mirror]]'' UK security officials at [[Secret Intelligence Service|MI-6]] asserted that female bombers could travel undetected carrying the explosive chemicals in otherwise standard [[breast implant]]s.<ref name=TheMirror2012-05-14>{{cite news
 |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/doctors-trained-to-plant-explosives-inside-832010 
 |title=Breast bombers: Doctors trained to plant explosives inside chest of female suicide bombers 
 |publisher=[[Daily Mirror]] 
 |date=14 May 2012 
 |access-date=14 May 2012 
 |quote=MI6 chiefs believe doctors have been trained to plant explosives inside the breasts of female suicide bombers. 
 |url-status=live
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514085514/http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/doctors-trained-to-plant-explosives-inside-832010
 |archive-date=14 May 2012
}}</ref><ref>
{{cite news
| url                  = https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/breast-implants-suicide-bomb-threat-2172911
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130819100626/https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/breast-implants-suicide-bomb-threat-2172911
|archive-date=August 19, 2013
| title                = Breast implants suicide bomb threat: Heathrow on high alert over "credible" intelligence
| publisher            = [[The Daily Mirror]]
| date                =  16 August 2013
| access-date          =  21 August 2013
| quote               =  Security has been beefed up after intelligence al-Qaeda is plotting attacks on airlines flying out of London.
| last                 = Lines
| first                = Andy
}}</ref> The bomber would blow up the implanted explosives by injecting a chemical trigger.<ref name=IBTimes-2012-05-14/>

====Robot====
Robots could also be used to carry explosives. First such documented case was during the aftermath of [[2016 shooting of Dallas police officers]] when a [[bomb disposal robot]] was used to deliver explosives to kill [[Micah Xavier Johnson]], who was hiding in a place inaccessible to [[police sniper]]s.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/08/police-bomb-robot-explosive-killed-suspect-dallas|title=Use of police robot to kill Dallas shooting suspect believed to be first in US history|first=Sam|last=Thielman|date=8 July 2016|work=[[The Guardian]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322054909/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/08/police-bomb-robot-explosive-killed-suspect-dallas|archive-date= March 22, 2023}}</ref> As well, drones carrying explosives were used in a suspected [[2018 Caracas drone attack|assassination attempt]] against Venezuelan president [[Nicolás Maduro]] in 2018.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/08/04/americas/venezuela-maduro/index.html|title=Venezuelan President survives apparent drone assassination attempt|first=Marilia|last=Brocchetto|date=5 August 2018|work=[[CNN]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113210208/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/08/04/americas/venezuela-maduro/index.html|archive-date=January 13, 2023}}</ref>

====Tunnel====
[[ISIS]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcbsJtcxvhM|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715004120/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcbsJtcxvhM|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 July 2016|title=New tunnel bomb footage from Aleppo|last=Raw Leak|date=4 May 2016|via=YouTube}}</ref>
and [[Al-Nusra]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7y9JNOKNVA| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529185218/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7y9JNOKNVA&gl=US&hl=en| archive-date=2019-05-29 | url-status=dead|title=Al Nusra Tunnel Bomb Collapses Syrian Intelligence Building in Aleppo|last=World Conflict Films|date=5 March 2015|via=YouTube}}</ref> have used bombs detonated in [[Tunnel warfare|tunnels dug under targets]].

====Improvised rocket====
{{Main|Lob bomb}}

In 2008, rocket-propelled IEDs, dubbed ''Improvised Rocket Assisted Munitions'', ''Improvised Rocket Assisted Mortars'' and ''(IRAM)'' by the military, came to be employed in numbers against U.S. forces in Iraq. They have been described as [[propane]] tanks packed with explosives and powered by [[Type 63 multiple rocket launcher|107 mm rockets]].<ref>{{cite news|title=U.S. Troops in Iraq Face A Powerful New Weapon: Use of Rocket-Propelled Bombs Spreads|first=Ernesto|last=Londoño|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=10 July 2008|page=A01|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/09/AR2008070902396_pf.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905213849/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/09/AR2008070902396_pf.html|archive-date=September 5, 2008}}</ref> They are similar to some Provisional IRA [[barrack buster]] mortars.
New types of IRAMs including Volcano IRAM<ref name="Volcano Rocket Syria">{{cite web|url=http://syriadirect.org/news/a-new-type-of-volcano-rocket-spotted-in-idlib/|title=A new type of Volcano rocket spotted in Idlib|website=Syria Direct|date=4 June 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113210236/https://syriadirect.org/a-new-type-of-volcano-rocket-spotted-in-idlib/|archive-date=January 13, 2023}}</ref> and Elephant Rockets,<ref name="World Conflict Films">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KxHpuRycU4| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506021922/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KxHpuRycU4| archive-date=2016-05-06 | url-status=dead|title=Syrian Army Elephant Rockets Used Against Rebels|last=World Conflict Films|date=15 May 2015|via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/06/syria-douma-elephant-rockets-150617011324100.html|title='Elephant rockets' kill dozens in Damascus suburb|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701175641/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/6/18/elephant-rockets-kill-dozens-in-damascus-suburb|archive-date=July 1, 2022}}</ref> are used during the Syrian Civil War.<ref name="Volcano Rocket Syria"/>

==== Improvised mortar ====
Improvised mortars have been used by many insurgent groups including during the civil war in Syria and [[Boko Haram]] insurgency.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wEEovjWZZk| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529185223/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wEEovjWZZk&gl=US&hl=en| archive-date=2019-05-29 | url-status=dead|title=Syria: Innovations for freedom #3 more DIY trebuchets, pipe weapons and vehicles|last=lisa ann|date=4 May 2013|via=YouTube}}</ref> IRA used improvised mortars called [[barrack buster]]s.{{according to whom?|date=October 2024}}

Improvised artillery including ''[[hell cannon]]s'' are used by rebel forces during Syrian Civil War.{{according to whom?|date=October 2024}}

===By trigger mechanism===

====Wire====
Command-wire improvised, explosive devices (CWIED) use an electrical firing cable that affords the user complete control over the device right up until the moment of initiation.<ref name="Hunter">{{cite book | last = Hunter | first = Major Chris | title = Eight Lives Down | publisher = Corgi Books | year = 2008 | location = London | isbn = 978-0-552-15571-7}}</ref>

====Radio====
The trigger for a [[Radio control|radio-controlled]] improvised explosive device (RCIED) is controlled by radio link. The device is constructed so that the receiver is connected to an electrical firing circuit and the transmitter operated by the perpetrator at a distance. A signal from the transmitter causes the receiver to trigger a firing pulse that operates the switch. Usually the switch fires an initiator; however, the output may also be used to remotely arm an explosive circuit. Often the transmitter and receiver operate on a matched [[Selective calling|coding system]] that prevents the RCIED from being initiated by spurious radio frequency signals or [[Radio jamming|jamming]].<ref name="Hunter" /> An RCIED can be triggered from any number of different radio-frequency based mechanisms including [[Radio-controlled model|handheld remote control transmitters]], car alarms, wireless door bells, cell phones, [[pager]]s and [[Personal radio service|portable two-way radios]], including those designed for the [[CB radio]] service, [[UHF]] [[PMR446]], [[Family Radio Service|FRS]], and [[General Mobile Radio Service|GMRS]] services.<ref name="Hunter" />

====Mobile phone====
A radio-controlled IED (RCIED) incorporating a mobile phone that is modified and connected to an electrical firing circuit. Mobile phones operate in the UHF band in line of sight with [[base transceiver station]] (BTS) antennae sites. In the common scenario, receipt of a paging signal by phone is sufficient to initiate the IED firing circuit.<ref name="Hunter" />

====Victim-operated====
Victim-operated improvised explosive devices (VOIED), also known as [[booby trap]]s, are designed to function upon contact with a victim. VOIED switches are often well hidden from the victim or disguised as innocuous everyday objects. They are operated by means of movement. Switching methods include tripwire, pressure mats, spring-loaded release, push, pull or tilt. Common forms of VOIED include the under-vehicle IED (UVIED), improvised [[landmine]]s, and [[Letter bomb|mail bombs]].<ref name="Hunter" />

====Infrared====
The British accused Iran and [[Hezbollah]] of teaching Iraqi fighters to use [[infrared]] light beams to trigger IEDs. As the occupation forces became more sophisticated in interrupting radio signals around their convoys, the insurgents adapted their triggering methods.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/issues/2007/June/BombMakingSkills.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070814021913/http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/issues/2007/June/BombMakingSkills.htm|url-status=dead|title=Bomb Making Skills Spread Globally |work=National Defense |date=June 2007|archive-date=14 August 2007}}</ref> In some cases, when a more advanced method was disrupted, the insurgents regressed to using uninterruptible means, such as hard wires from the IED to detonator; however, this method is much harder to effectively conceal. It later emerged however, that these "advanced" IEDs were actually old [[Provisional IRA|IRA]] technology. The infrared beam method was perfected by the IRA in the early 1990s after it acquired the technology from a botched undercover British Army operation. Many of the IEDs being used against the invading coalition forces in [[Iraq]] were originally developed by the British Army who unintentionally passed the information on to the IRA.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/ulster/article320004.ece | title=Revealed: IRA bombs killed eight British soldiers in Iraq |work=The Independent | date=16 October 2005 | access-date=18 October 2009 | location=London | first1=Greg | last1=Harkin | first2=Francis | last2=Elliott | first3=Raymond | last3=Whitaker | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709005403/http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/ulster/article320004.ece | archive-date=9 July 2008 }}</ref> The IRA taught their techniques to the Palestine Liberation Organisation and the knowledge spread to Iraq.<ref>{{cite news |first=Kevin |last=Myers |url=http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/the-death-of-the-tank-took-place-around-crossmaglen-2131116.html |title=Kevin Myers: The death of the tank took place around Crossmaglen |department=Opinion |work=The Independent |date=9 April 2010 |access-date=11 May 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506003322/https://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/kevin-myers/kevin-myers-the-death-of-the-tank-took-place-around-crossmaglen-26648094.html|archive-date=May 6, 2022}}</ref>