Non Explosive Fertliser
A number of media reports have recently focussed on the use of foreign aid organisation supplied fertiliser as the base ingredient for improvised explosives. Commonly, the fertiliser is combined with diesel to produce ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil) type explosives. The accusation is that by not connecting international aid, agricultural development with security strategies our best intentions provide the Taleban with raw materials in abundance. Given that so many casualties are as a result of improvised explosive devices this is a serious allegation and if true a very clear demonstration of bungling incompetence bordering on the criminal.
The MoD refuted the allegations by stating DFiD supplied fertiliser was of a type not suitable for turning into explosives (interestingly they did not refute the main thrust of the article in question). Whilst this might be true for UK supplied aid is it true for the myriad of non governmental and aid agencies operating throughout the area. It is also fair to say that the area is awash with explosive materials, shells and other munitions that can be adapted for the role.
We would expect that urgent representation is being made to all these agencies or perhaps there is already in place a comprehensive strategy to address these issues.
What is a non explosive fertiliser and what is an explosive fertiliser?