Improvised Explosive Devices:

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1 Organization of American States Department of Public Security Improvised Explosive Devices: Perspectives on the Threat and Responses in the Americas Carl E. Case Coordinator Mine Action and Control of Arms and Munitions

2 Discussion The Threat Colombia Construction and deployment Clearance issues Central America Military stockpiles Regional Framework for Potential Actions Conclusions and Recommendations

3 Colombia IEDs used as a weapon of choice by armed NSA groups 30 of 31 departments affected; more than half of all municipalities Over 10,000 victims average of more than one new victim per day The terms IED and AP mine used interchangeably.

4 Casing materials Metal Glass Plastic

5 Explosives Ammonium nitrate fuel oil most commonly used Other substances, including coffee and paint, sometimes used to deter canine detection Non metallic material added as shrapnel to minimize detection

6 Electrical Initiation Systems Syringe Traction with tripwire Mercury switch (anti handling) Crush switch

7 Typical Electrically Initiated Construction WOODEN PRESSURE PISTON WOODEN SAFETY PIN X ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS X BAMBOO CONTACTS IGNITER BATTERIES EXPLOSIVE CHARGE

8 Examples of Separated Component IEDs Explosive Charges Syringe Initiator Switch Electrical Wires Power Source

9 Chemical Initiation Systems Syringe

10 Humanitarian Clearance Methods Vegetation clearance Chemical Manual Visual scan Tripwire drills For tripwires For electrical connections Metal detectors Excavation

11 Central America AP Landmine clearance programs completed in 2010 Indications of possible resurgence of IED use by criminal groups Recent seizures of military munitions in criminal hands Voluntary turn in of explosive munitions and devices Large, marginally secured military munitions stockpiles remain since conflicts of 1960s through 1990s Over 1,700 tons destroyed since 2007 significantly larger amounts pose continuing threat Limited assistance for stockpile management programs and infrastructure Tenuous border controls

12 Regional Framework Inter American Convention Against Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, and Other Related Materials (CIFTA) "Illicit manufacturing means manufacture or assembly from components or parts illicitly trafficked; or without a license from a competent governmental authority of the State Party where the manufacture or assembly takes place. "Illicit trafficking means import, export, acquisition, sale, delivery, movement, or transfer from or across territory of one State Party to that of another State Party, if any one of the States Parties concerned does not authorize it.

13 Key CIFTA Terminology Firearms Barreled weapons designed to expel a bullet or projectile by the action of an explosive Any other weapon or destructive device such as any explosive, incendiary or gas bomb, grenade, rocket, rocket launcher, missile, missile system, or mine. "Explosives Any substance or article made, manufactured, or used to produce an explosion, detonation, or propulsive or pyrotechnic effect Exceptions: Substances and articles that are not in and of themselves explosive

14 State Party Obligations Establishment of jurisdiction Firearms marking Confiscation and forfeiture of illicit firearms, ammunition and explosives Security measures against loss or diversion Export, import, and transit licensing and controls Recordkeeping, information exchange, and cooperation Exchange of experiences and training Technical assistance Mutual legal assistance

15 Conclusions and Recommendations Establishing controls for most components and substances used in IED construction commonly found in the Americas would be problematic due the wide use of materials for legitimate purposes A significant potential future threat exists in large, poorly controlled stockpiles of explosive munitions. International support for stockpile management and destruction has not been adequate to deal effectively with the threat. Regional agreements, such as CIFTA, could be used as a framework for improving coordination and effective action that could reduce the IED threat from uncontrolled explosive munitions.

16 Organization of American States Department of Public Security Thank you PACAM AICMA Carl E. Case Coordinator Mine Action and Control of Arms and Munitions

IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICES

Meetings of Experts on Amended Protocol II IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICES Geneva, 23 24 April 2012 AGENDA Improvised Explosive Devices in Colombia Types of IEDs New technologies new challenges Counter IED