The Islamic State-made improvised landmine (ILM) has been distributed extensively throughout Syria and Iraq. There are believed to be four versions of this device each having slightly different external visual features. The specific device pictured directly below is designated as the 3rd generation of this device and are used as an improvised landmine in defensive positions and perimeters around ISIS fighting positions. The images of the 4th generation are found posted below that.
These are stand alone devices containing a blend of HME with a plastic or metal pressure mechanism. They can be buried for an extended period of time with no requirement for any electrical power source. Some emplaced mines have been found with anti-lift switches added. Many have been found without pressure fuzes installed and simply use an external pressure plate trigger with battery placed nearby.
Although they have been mass-produced by the Islamic State, these devices are considered improvised due to containing a fertilizer-based (improvised) explosive mixture. Islamic State-made “pot”mines are usually found in large quantities (1000+) surrounding villages and commonly impact civilians returning home or attempting to cultivate the agricultural land. Recently, this device has been labeled as the “VS-500” landmine by deminers working to defuse and render them safe. They report the HME tends to settle (over time) away from the detonator in the mine causing them to have unreliable detonation.
Below: 4th Generation ISIS “Pot” Mine Images
(note the improvised anti-lift switch)
Source # 2: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1804962432860713.1073741838.1074264719263825&type=3
IED Awareness 