|
Iraqi rebels use sophisticated bombs smuggled in from Iran
EFLA new range of bombs more sophisticated than those being deployed with murderous impact against American forces in Iraq has been designed in neighbouring Iran and smuggled across the border to insurgent groups, according to American military and intelligence officials. The new devices have been manufactured to destroy military vehicles by using shaped charges that target the armour in a specific direction. Most improvised explosive devices (IEDs) made from stockpiles of Iraqi missiles and shells have previously relied simply on their firepower rather than a targeting mechanism. American commanders fear that Iraqi bomb-makers will soon learn how to make the weapons. Insurgents started to use the devices about two months ago, but last week a big shipment was captured in north-eastern Iraq as they were being shipped in from Iran. Pentagon officials say they have no evidence of Iranian government involvement, but America has regularly complained that Teheran is interfering in Iraqi affairs and that fighters and weaponry are being smuggled across the border. "The devices we're seeing now have been machined. There is evidence of some sophistication," a military official told The New York Times. Another senior officer said: "These are among the most sophisticated and most lethal devices we've seen. It's very serious." Sounds like another good casus bellum to me Posted by: Bulldog 2005-08-07 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=126145 |