Iraq Insurgents Bomb Minesweeper

Iraqi insurgents are continuing their claims of being able to beat American bomb-fighting gear. The latest: a video from the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI), announcing "the first use of a new IED designed to target minesweepers in Iraq," IntelCenter reveals. "The group's al-Furqan Media released a written statement, dated 25 Apr. 2007, and a 1'36" video showing the first use of the device against a US RG-31
Nyala minesweeper. The IED has been dubbed by the ISI, 'The Sweeper of Minesweepers.'"

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ISI said in the statement, "A so-called minesweeper was completely destroyed after we heard the spokesman on behalf of the so-called
Baghdad security plan say that the Iraqi forces have received equipment and special systems for the detection of mines and explosives. The soldiers of the Islamic State of Iraq specializing in the hunting of minesweepers used for the first time a special explosive manufactured to be used on Iraqi minesweepers. The testing of the explosive on an American minesweeper proved to be very successful. We wish to point out [to the Iraqi government] that this operation is an attack on a minesweeper of the American forces; can you then imagine what would happen to your petty vehicles? The soldiers of The Islamic State [of Iraq] are happy to use this newly-made bomb, dubbed "The Sweeper of Minesweepers," on a wide scale in the Islamic State [of Iraq]. We say to the apostate army, expect what will afflict you, for this only the first drop in a rainstorm."

The Marines recently announced that in 300 attacks since last year, no troops died while riding in the next-gen armored vehicles which, like the Nyala, have bomb-deflecting hulls. Of course, the right kind of explosive will destroy even the most heavily-armored vehicle; look at what happened to that British tank last week.

Mostly likely, ISI's "special explosives" which targeted the Nyala are "explosively-formed projectiles." Those are the "superbombs" which the Pentagon has been claiming are Iranian-made -- but many, including DANGER ROOM's David Hambling, believe are being constructed in Iraq.

The bigger concern, however, is how well have insurgents been able to counter American bomb jammers -- either through command-line detonation, laser-triggering, or some kind of new radio-frequency device? A reliable method could wreak havoc on American forces.

PREVIOUSLY:

* Superbombs 101

* Robot + Superbomb = Trouble

* Picture This: Deadly Discs

* Iraq's Superbombs: Home Made?

* U.S. Superbomb Kit

* Hamas' Superbombs

* Radio-Friendly Jammers?

* Jam-Proof Insurgents? Doubtful

* Marines 300, Insurgents 0

* Iraq Bomb Nails "Inviolable" Tank