Liquid Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)

Context

1. Resurgence in Jammu and Kashmir: Liquid IEDs, which had been absent for 17 years, have resurfaced in the region.
2. Difficult to detect: These explosives pose a challenge for security forces due to their "difficult-to-detect" nature.

3. Possible composition: Forensic analysis suggests the liquid explosives could be trinitrotoluene (TNT) or nitroglycerine.

About Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs):

1. Unconventional weapons: IEDs are homemade explosives that can be made in various shapes and sizes and triggered in different ways.
2. Wide range of users: Used by criminals, vandals, terrorists, suicide bombers, and insurgents.
3. Diverse forms: IEDs can range from small pipe bombs to complex devices capable of causing mass destruction.
4. Damage potential: The damage caused by an IED depends on its size, construction, placement, and the type of explosive used.
5. Term origin: The term IED gained popularity during the Iraq War (2003).

Components of an IED:

1. Initiating mechanism: Detonator to trigger the explosion.
2. Explosive charge: The main explosive material.
3. Casing/projectiles: Container for the explosives or objects to create lethal fragments.

Materials used in IEDs:

1. Wide range of materials: IEDs can be made from various materials including artillery rounds, aerial bombs, fertilisers, TNT, and other explosives.
2. Radiological, chemical, or biological components: Some IEDs may contain these components to enhance their destructive and psychological impact.

Additional points:

1. The resurgence of liquid IEDs raises concerns about the evolving tactics of militant groups in Jammu and Kashmir.
2. The difficulty in detecting liquid IEDs highlights the need for advanced security measures and technologies.
3. The potential use of TNT or nitroglycerine in these explosives underscores their destructive capabilities.

Must Check: Best IAS Coaching In Delhi