Iraq buys Bandolier clearing charges from CSI

The Iraqi army has made an initial purchase of 500 Bandolier Lightweight Multi-Purpose Clearing Charges from Critical Solutions International.

The charges will help bridge Iraq's capability gaps as its military continues its campaign to retake parts of the country from the Islamic State, the company said in a statement.

The value of the contract was not disclosed.

Bandolier is an explosive system that provides troops with an efficient way to reduce obstacles and create safe mobility lanes.

The product's modular, man-portable design minimizes a soldier's time on target while increasing breach capability, the company said.

The new capabilities of the Bandolier system, previously only available to explosive ordnance disposal technicians, enable trained soldiers to create safe passage through known and suspected obstacles.

The Bandolier system is effective against all obstacles normally found on the battlefield, allowing soldiers to be equipped with one lightweight system, eliminating any need for multiple systems, the company said.

The company has teamed with the Iraqi army since 2014 to provide various clearance and counter-improvised explosive device equipment, the company said.