Afghan IED Sweep | National Geographic

TL;DR

Follow bomb disposal personnel as they navigate a dangerous stretch of the 605 Highway, dealing with numerous improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and facing the constant threat of danger.

Transcript

Christensen is traveling on 605 the main Highway for both locals and Military convoys heading south from Camp leatherneck he travels in a massive airconditioned bomb disposal truck named Buffalo we've had you know dozens of IDs just along this little stretch of road basically between you know for 1 km stretch we've had more iids than just about any... Read More

Key Insights

• 😆 The 605 Highway is a dangerous stretch of road due to the frequent occurrence of IEDs.
• 😆 Bomb disposal teams rely on advanced equipment to detect and safely deal with IEDs.
• 😀 The presence of triggermen and tripwires adds to the dangers faced by bomb disposal personnel.
• 🛟 The consequences of IED explosions serve as a somber reminder of the risks involved.
• 🚙 Bomb disposal vehicles are specially designed to protect the personnel from IED blasts.
• 🖤 The hazards on the road are more dangerous for locals who lack the protective measures of military vehicles.
• 😆 IEDs on the 605 Highway are becoming more sophisticated and powerful, requiring advanced skills and techniques from bomb disposal teams.

Questions & Answers

Q: How do bomb disposal personnel ensure the safety of the road?

Bomb disposal teams conduct meticulous sweeps and rely on reports from nearby platoons to ensure the road is clear of IEDs. However, the safety can only be guaranteed to a certain extent, as the threat is constant.

Q: What are the dangers faced by bomb disposal personnel on the 605 Highway?

Bomb disposal personnel face the risk of encountering triggermen and tripwires while investigating suspicious activity, putting their lives at risk. Additionally, the devastating consequences of IED explosions are a constant reminder of the dangers they face.

Q: How do bomb disposal personnel protect themselves from IED blasts?

The bomb disposal trucks, such as the Buffalo and Husky, are equipped with v-shaped hulls that deflect the blast to the sides, ensuring the safety of the personnel inside. This feature makes the road more hazardous for locals, whose vehicles are not equipped with such protective measures.

Q: What challenges do bomb disposal teams face when dealing with IEDs on the 605 Highway?

Bomb disposal personnel encounter increasingly sophisticated IEDs, like the one with Chinese-made mortar shells, posing a greater risk. Disposing of such devices requires careful planning and expertise to minimize the danger.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Bomb disposal personnel travel on the 605 Highway, which is frequented by both locals and military convoys, including Camp Leatherneck.

• The road is prone to IEDs due to its dirt surface, making it easy for them to be buried undetected.

• The team uses advanced equipment, such as metal detectors and marking vehicles, to detect and safely dispose of the IEDs.