Central Idea: The article discusses various measures that need to be taken to minimise errors in anti-terrorist operations. This has been particularly discussed after recent incidents of IED (improvised explosive device) explosions.

What are IED (Improvised Explosive Device)?

• IEDs are homemade explosive device made from commonly available materials such as fertilizer, diesel fuel, and metal scraps.
• They are typically used as a form of guerrilla warfare by non-state actors such as terrorists, insurgents, and other militant groups.

Why discuss IEDs?

• IEDs are a popular choice for such groups as they are relatively easy to construct, difficult to detect, and can be triggered by a range of mechanisms including pressure plates, remote control, and tripwires.
• IEDs are often responsible for a large number of casualties and fatalities in conflict zones.

Disadvantage faced by Indian armed forces

• The security forces are dealing with an enemy who is faceless, unidentifiable, and hidden among the people.
• Security personnel can open fire only in self-defence, not on apprehension, giving militants the ‘first mover advantage’.
• The reaction or the response time available for “Immediate Action (IA) or Counter Ambush drill” is a few seconds.
• All standard operating systems and procedures, technological measures, etc., are directed towards the identification and detection of IEDs/landmines and to avoid being caught in them.

Preventing IED Fatalities

(1) Minimizing Errors

• Avoid vehicle travel: To avoid casualties/fatalities in Maoist territories, vehicle travel should be avoided.
• Foot patrolling: Routine operations like area domination, cordon-and-search, long-range patrolling, ambush-cum-patrolling should only be undertaken on foot.
• Route security: If vehicle travel is essential, the onward and return journeys should never be by the same route, nor undertaken during the daytime.
• Smaller convoys: Security forces should travel in a convoy of a minimum of two to three vehicles, maintaining a distance of at least 40 to 50 meters between them.

(2) Camouflage and Protective Gear

• In certain war zones, vehicular deployment is inevitable.
• Security forces should be equipped with appropriate protective gear and their vehicles should be equipped with V-shaped and armour-plated hull, blast-resistant technology, and proper sandbagging to minimize damage in the event of an explosion.

(3) Making a Region Safe for Travel

• Detection: Rigorous and regular implementation of various detection methods, such as metal detectors, ground-penetrating radar, and trained sniffer dogs, to locate and clear landmines and IEDs, is essential.
• Multi strata surveillance: This carried out through drones and road opening parties equipped with UGVs (Unmanned Ground Vehicles) can detect the presence of terrorists and pick tell-tale signs of a likely ambush.
• Mapping of such areas: Areas known or suspected to contain landmines or IEDs can be mapped, and contingency plans prepared for them.

(4) Intelligence Inputs and Investigation

• Confidence building: Winning of hearts and minds is essential to gather actionable intelligence.
• Diligent and scientific investigation: Establishment of linkages through meticulous collection and marshalling of evidence, framing of chargesheets, followed by speedy trials and conviction, serve as a strong deterrent to terrorism.

Policy measures required

• Regulating explosives: Legislative measures are required for the mandatory addition of odoriferous chemicals and/or biosensors to explosives used in industry and mining for their easy detection during transport.
• Collaboration with international organizations: Other countries have taken several counter-IED measures, such as the U.S. setting up the Joint Improvised-Threat Defeat Organization and spending about $20 billion on counter-IED measures since 2005.
• Overarching agency: It is needed under the Ministry of Home Affairs to coordinate the efforts of both the GoI and the states, and to provide legislative, technological, and procedural support to law enforcement agencies.

Conclusion

• It is crucial for governments to take necessary measures to protect their security personnel and prevent casualties caused by IEDs.
• Again it is essential to raise awareness about the challenges and dangers faced by security personnel in conflict zones and to find effective solutions to mitigate the risks.

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