Iraqi Extremists' New Weapons: 'Flying IED'

By Noah Shachtman June 05, 2008 | 4:34:00 PM

Shi'ite extremists in Iraq have added a frightening new weapon their arsenal: a jury-rigged rocket launching system which some are describing as a "flying improvised explosive device."

The new weapon came to light after a pair of recent attacks. The first, on Forward Operating Base Loyalty in Baghdad, killed two American soldiers and wounded 16. The second was earlier this week in Baghdad's Sha'ab neighborhood. A truck-turned-crude-rocket-launcher detonated before it could fire off its full, deadly load of munitions. But the four it did get off -- plus the explosion on the truck, itself -- managed to kill 18 and wound 29. The military is calling the weapon an IRAM, short for improvised rocket assisted mortar. The Long War Journal has more details -- and tons of pictures.

http://blog.wired.com/defense/2008/06/shiite-extremis.html