Iraqi security forces keep bomb-detection device in use despite British ban

Iraq keeps banned bomb-seeking devices in use

BAGHDAD — An Iraqi explosives expert says officials will continue to use a bomb-detecting device that Britain banned for export to Iraq because of questions about whether it works.

Col. Hato al-Hashemi says it would be a “big mistake” to withdraw the hand-held ADE651 device, which is used at many key checkpoints, including outside Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone. Hashimi told reporters Monday that Iraqi forces have 2,000 devices in use.

Al-Hashemi claims it has helped detect many vehicles with bombs and weapons.

Britain banned the export of the British-made device to Iraq and Afghanistan after a BBC report raised serious questions about whether it can identify explosives. The U.S. military also found the device unreliable.