The device was described as a "directional mine" meant to ward off intruders.
The nearest midge reported it was some kind of explosive, probably a directional mine.
It has been the standard directional anti-personnel mine of the French army since the late 70s.
U.S. policy states that a directional mine of this type may be emplaced if:
More directional mines detonated, a multiple stroke like thunder glancing from all the sides of heaven.
They'd replaced the wire perimeter and directional mines as well.
It had opened a little more than a hand's breadth when a trio of directional mines went off in the gap.
Explosions and more screams as they tripped the waiting directional mines.
Miles had made the techs make sure it was working properly, before they'd inserted the directional mines in the shuttle clamps.
Many armored vehicles were already fitted with a band of anti-personnel directional mines just above the skirts.