Inghimasi are usually well-trained guerrilla fighters[2] who are organized into teams, and infiltrate enemy positions in order to cause as much damage as possible, generally expecting to be killed while doing so.[1] They often wear explosive belts that are to be detonated when the possibility arises that they could be captured, run out of ammunition, or expect to be overwhelmed.[2] Inghimasi fighters usually wear clothing resembling that of the target's forces, and use light weapons.[3] Inghimasi have to agree to a 'no return' policy, and expect to die in combat.[2][4] Unlike normal suicide attack forces, however, an Inghimasi can survive their missions and return to their base.[2][4] The Islamic State gives new recruits the option of becoming an Inghimasi when enlisting, along with the option of operating a SVBIED or being a regular fighter.[4] The word comes from the Arabic word Inghamasa (انغمس) meaning "to plunge" or "become immersed".[4][2]
The Inghimasi method of attack is not unique to the Middle East, and has been used in terrorist attacks outside the region. Al-Shabaab in Somalia is known to employ Inghimasis,[1] and the Islamic State's branch in Afghanistan uses them as well.[2] Furthermore, the individuals involved in the November 2015 Paris attacks operated in a similar fashion to Inghimasi.[4]