SubscribeOpen source information* suggests that the number of vehicle borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) has more than doubled in the past 12 months worldwide.
The total number of VBIED incidents from 1 January to 5 November 2004 was 245, in 2003 there were just 84. The conflict in Iraq is the obvious reason for the increase: 185 of this year’s VBIED incidents happened there, but two years ago there were none reported in the country.
Barry Taylor at Allen-Vanguard, comments: “VBIEDs are widely regarded as one of the most challenging tasks that a bomb technician can face. He must apply all his skills, experience and EOD tools and accessories in the render safe procedure.”
After extensive liaison with bomb technicians, Allen-Vanguard has upgraded its Hook & Line (HAL) Vehicle Access Kit to meet the current demands of the field. Improvements include a multi-purpose clamp as well as a range of field-proven specialist tools to assist with vehicle entry or clearance.
“All the vehicle access tools adhere to the same primary and overriding criteria: they are simple to use and quick to rig, usually only taking seconds, thus minimising the bomb technician's time at risk from the device,” Taylor concluded.
VBIED STATISTICS
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 (to5 Nov 04) |
Total VBIED incidents | 64 (100%) | 56 (100%) | 84 (100%) | 245 (100%) |
No of these exploded | 48 (75%) | 40 (71%) | 72 (86%) | 217 (88%) |
No of these rendered safe/finds | 16 (25%) | 16 (29%) | 12 (14%) | 28 (12%) |
No of total that are suicide VBIEDs | 2 (3%) | 4 (7%) | 38 (45%) | 93 (38%) |
No of countries with VBIED incidents | 12 | 13 | 18 | 21 |
No of total incidents in Iraq | - | - | 34 | 185 |
No of total in Iraq that are suicide | - | - | 24 (71%) | 80 (43%) |
Deductions :
No of countries experiencing VBIED incidents is increasing
No of VBIED incidents has increased largely due to Iraq (underlying trend is generally static at around 50-65 per annum)
Effectiveness of devices is increasing (we manage to render safe less)
