Irish Republican Army (IRA) a.k.a. Provisional Irish, Republican Army (PIRA), the Provos
Description
Radical terrorist group formed in 1969 as clandestine armed wing of Sinn Fein, a legal political movement dedicated to removing British forces from Northern Ireland and unifying Ireland. Has a Marxist orientation. Organized into small, tightly knit cells under the leadership of the Army Council.
Activities
Bombings, assassinations, kidnappings, extortion, and robberies. Before its cease-fire in 1994, targets included senior British Government officials, British military and Royal Ulster Constabulary targets in Northern Ireland, and a British military facility on the European Continent. The IRA has been observing a cease-fire since July 1997; the group's previous cease-fire was from 1 September 1994 to February 1996.
Strength
Several hundred, plus several thousand sympathizers.
Local/Area of Operation
Northern Ireland, Ireland, Great Britain, and Europe.
External Aid
Has received aid from a vareity of groups and countries and considerable training and arms from Libya and, at one time, the PLO. Is suspected of receiving funds and arms from sympathizers in the United States. Similarities in operations suggest links to the ETA
bron:http://killeenroos.com/link/terror.htm
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