Improvised explosive device

Improvised explosive devices in Yemen were locally fabricated bombs used by Houthi-aligned forces for roadside ambushes, emplaced attacks, and repurposed ordnance, showing how the Yemen Civil War mixed guerrilla tactics with improvised munitions rather than a single standardized model.

Yemen Civil WarHouthi-aligned forces

Conflict side: Houthi-aligned forces
Built by: Houthi forceslocal fabrication
Built in: Yemen

Improvised explosive device, Improvised explosive device, Munitions

Profile

Type: Improvised explosive device
Conflict side: Houthi-aligned forces
Origin: Yemen
Service note: Yemen Civil War, 2015-present

portable strike anti-tank

Service History

In service: Used as a locally fabricated insurgent munition during the Yemen Civil War.
Used by: Houthi-aligned forces
Wars: Yemen Civil War

Production History

Built by: Houthi forceslocal fabrication
Built in: Yemen

Specifications

Construction: Improvised device assembled from readily available commercial or military components.
Initiation: Command-detonated, victim-operated, or time-delay triggers are all documented IED patterns.
Payload: Variable explosive fill; can incorporate military stores or homemade explosives.
Emplacement: Can be buried, concealed, roadside, vehicle-borne, or waterborne.

Conflict Usage

Yemen Civil War: Side: Houthi-aligned forcesRole: Roadside ambush and emplaced attackanti-tank strike
In the Yemen Civil War, Houthi forces used locally fabricated improvised explosive devices on the west coast and repurposed old aviation bombs as IEDs in civilian areas.

Improvised explosive device Images

Improvised explosive device, Improvised explosive device, Munitions - view 1

Improvised explosive device, Improvised explosive device, Munitions - view 2

Improvised explosive device, Improvised explosive device, Munitions - view 3

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Sources

UNMAS IED LexiconPublisher: United Nations Mine Action Service | Note: Supports the general IED definition as a nonstandard device fabricated from readily available materials. | Accessed: 2026-06-20 Conflict Armament Research: Mines and IEDs on Yemen's West CoastPublisher: Conflict Armament Research | Note: Yemen Civil War: used by Houthi forces on the west coast; CAR reported improvised and domestically produced landmines and IEDs. | Accessed: 2026-06-20 UN Panel of Experts on Yemen Report S/2022/50Publisher: United Nations Digital Library | Note: Yemen Civil War: used by Houthi forces; the UN Panel reported old aviation bombs used as IEDs in civilian areas. | Accessed: 2026-06-20 Improvised explosive device schematicPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Public-domain schematic used for the primary image. | Accessed: 2026-06-20 Common IED componentsPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Public-domain Commons image used in the gallery. | Accessed: 2026-06-20 IED detonatorPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Public-domain Commons image used in the gallery. | Accessed: 2026-06-20