Red Fort Attack Raises Fears Over VBIEDs Use

The attack near Red Fort has drawn attention to the increasing use of Vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Devices, a tactic that poses concentrated risks in dense urban areas. These devices have been used by various terror groups over the years due to their mobility, concealment, and high destructive power.

Meaning of a VBIED

A VBIED turns an ordinary vehicle into a powerful explosive device. Unlike smaller improvised devices that rely on added shrapnel, these use the vehicle’s own metal body as the primary source of fragmentation. This drastically increases the impact radius and lethality of the blast.

How VBIEDs Operate

Explosives placed inside a confined car cabin generate a high-pressure shockwave capable of ripping apart the vehicle. Metal parts become high-velocity projectiles. Some attacks involve the driver staying inside the vehicle, a method known as a suicide VBIED. The ability to drive the device into crowded or high-security zones makes it a preferred tactic for organised groups.

Challenges in Detection

VBIEDs blend seamlessly into traffic. Attackers often choose common vehicle models to avoid suspicion. Individuals with conventional professional backgrounds can carry out preparatory tasks—renting flats, acquiring vehicles, or parking in busy areas—without drawing attention. Large city traffic volumes further limit real-time screening and monitoring.

Exam Oriented Facts

• A VBIED is an explosive device concealed within a vehicle.
• The confined structure of the car amplifies the blast and fragmentation.
• A suicide VBIED involves the driver remaining inside at detonation.
• High traffic density makes VBIEDs difficult for security agencies to detect.

Mitigation and Public Role

Authorities rely on surveillance, intelligence networks, and screening operations to reduce risks, though early detection remains challenging. Public reporting of suspicious vehicles—those parked unusually long, emitting strange odours, or appearing heavily loaded—can contribute to prevention. Security experts emphasise that dismantling networks through intelligence remains the most effective barrier against such attacks.