Which method is commonly used to initiate an IED?

The method commonly used to initiate an improvised explosive device (IED) includes various mechanisms such as time fired, victim operated, and command initiated. Each of these categories represents different techniques for triggering an explosion.

Time-fired initiation involves setting a timer that detonates the device at a predetermined moment. This method allows the individual who constructed the IED to move away to a safe distance prior to detonation.

Victim-operated initiation relies on the unsuspecting target to trigger the device, often through contact or movement. This method capitalizes on the element of surprise, as the victim may not be aware of the threat until it is too late.

Command initiated refers to a remote activation triggered by a specific command, whether through a switch or another signal. This technique allows for more precise control over when and how the device detonates, which can be critical for maximizing its intended effects.

Considering these aspects, option C encompasses the prevalent mechanisms employed in the initiation of IEDs, illustrating the diverse strategies that can be utilized depending on the circumstances and intentions of those deploying them.