IEDs won't die after Afghanistan, top general says --- WASHINGTON — The Pentagon's multibillion dollar effort to combat makeshift bombs will continue even after the U.S. combat mission in Afghanistan ends next year. -- IEDs have been the insurgents' weapon of choice against American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bombs have killed more than 3,100 U.S. troops and wounded 33,000 more. -- In response, JIEDDO has spent nearly $25 billion to buy equipment to protect troops, train them and target bomb-making networks since 2006. -- American enemies in the "next fight" will use IEDs, Johnson said, because they're effective. -- "They've caused us a lot of pain," said Johnson, who commanded troops in Iraq. "It costs us a lot of effort, and a lot of treasure, to counteract the effects of those weapons systems, protect our forces." -- Makeshift bombs have flourished away from war zones. From September 2012 to Oct. 1, 2013, there were more than 15,000 makeshift bomb explosions outside Afghanistan, according to JIEDDO. U.S troops, diplomats and civilians will face some risk from them while abroad, Johnson said. - More, USATODAY