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Explosives hidden in animal carcasses used in new warfare tactic in Ukraine
Explosives concealed in the carcasses of animals are being employed as a tactic by Russia in the war in Ukraine, it has been alleged.
Telegram channel Para Pax claimed this is one way Russian forces evade detection and blend into the environment to inflict maximum damage on the frontline.
Footage shows the pre-assembled explosive charge being stuffed inside the body of a rabbit then carefully concealed with fabric.
It is understood that the improvised explosive devices are then deployedvia drones for both area denial and targeted attacks.
Using animal carcasses complicates explosives detection by conventional methods, increasing the risk to Ukrainian soldiers operating in the area.
This method is employed to mine terrain as well as strike precise targets.
Drones have become increasingly important in detecting traps left by the enemy in Ukraine to detect explosives, but they are unlikely to detect the booby-trapped carcasses of animals.
Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, there have been documented cases of Russian forces booby-trapping not only abandoned equipment but also the bodies of their own soldiers.
Such tactics are not entirely new.
The use of IEDs hidden in animal's carcasses was also common among insurgent groups like Al-Qaeda in Iraq, the Taliban, and other militias who fought against the US and Nato. More Trending
They frequently hid explosives in dead animals such as dogs, donkeys, or goats, especially along roadways, footpaths, or near checkpoints.
Before the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban was also known to use animal-borne IEDs (ABIEDs).
These included live animals, like donkeys, which were fitted with bombs and directed toward targets.
In some cases, the animals were released to wander into sensitive areas, triggering a major blast.
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