One popular tactic used to hide IEDs out in the open is making them look like ordinary rocks. In regions where rocks or debris are plentiful, these can be a difficult threat to recognize. Disguising these deadly devices as rocks enables the terrorist to place them above the ground in plain sight and on various surfaces such as concrete or pavement. This tactic also saves the emplacement team time since digging holes to bury them is not necessary. Often there are nuances that give away their concealment, especially if personnel are aware to the possible presence of such devices in specific areas of operation and know what anomalies to look for.

The material construction of these concealment methods varies in each location but has included; spray foam, concrete, gypsum, fiberglass, resins, epoxies, and similar materials usually common within the local area.

Here is a look at what has been found in several different regions.

Above: A stone IED found in Yemen

Above: A stone IED found in Yemen

Above: FSA Jaish Al-Thawrah dismantled a dozen rock camouflaged IEDs planted along roads of East Daraa countryside.

Above: Syrian Civil Defense members found this IED disguised as a rock.

Above: Syrian Civil Defense members found this IED disguised as a rock.

Above: Stone / Rock IEDs found in Yemen

Above: IED found in Palmyra, Syria was camouflaged with Gypsum to look like a rock.

Above: A Stone IED found in Syria made by the Islamic State

Above: Stone IEDs found along the Turkish / Syrian Border.

Above: These items were taken from Taliban fighters – fake rocks made from fiberglass to cover IED’s.

Above: Houthis stone / rock camouflaged IEDs seized in Taiz, Yemen.

Above: Houthis stone / rock camouflaged IEDs seized in Taiz, Yemen.

Above: Houthis stone / rock camouflaged IEDs seized in Taiz, Yemen.

Above: Tabqa Security Forces disarmed IEDs planted by ISIS in Al-Thawrah District, Syria

Above: Several fake rock IEDs are clearly visible within this explosive collection point found in Syria.

Above: Fake rock / stone IED found in Syria. (note the rope carry handle)

Above: Fake rock / stone IEDs found in Syria.

Above: Fake rock / stone IED found in Syria.

Above: Fake rock / stone IED found in Syria.

Above: Rock IED found in Southern Syria

Above: Rock IED found in Daraa, Syria

Above: Rock camouflaged IEDs found in southern Syria along the boarder with Jordan

Above: Concealed IEDs found in Taiz, Yemen

Above: Rock IEDs found in Tall al Hajar, Syria

Above: Rock IED found in Tall al Hajar, Syria

Above: Rock IEDs from al Bab, Syria

This tactic is not exclusive to IEDs and explosives.  The below image details what can also be used as concealment for spying devices.

Above: (Not always an explosive) A spying device concealed in what appears to be a rock is seen in the Sannine mountain that overlooks eastern Beirut and the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon.

Stay alert and stay safe.