Menu
28/07/2008
Republican Threat Level 'Higher Than Any Other'
The threat to the UK from 'dissident' Irish republicans is greater than from any other terrorist group.
According to the latest intelligence service surveillance from MI5, organisations such as the Real IRA and the Continuity IRA currently pose a greater danger than even Islamic extremists.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde has said the threat from republicans opposed to the peace process is the highest at any time this decade.
NI Executive Junior Minister, Jeffrey Donaldson, (pictured) said: "This information comes as no surprise to me as I'm aware of the very high level of activity that there is at the minute from dissident republicans.
"This activity is targeted at members of the security forces and prison services and the threat level is very high at the moment."
He was speaking on foot of news that more than 60% of all electronic information intercepted through wiretaps and other covert operations related to dissident republicans.
These same dissidents have claimed responsibility for murder bids on five police officers in Northern Ireland since November.
They said the Real IRA and Continuity IRA's short-term goal is to kill a Catholic police officer in the hope of deterring young Catholics and nationalists from joining the PSNI.
Dissident republican groups were formed after mainstream paramilitary organisations such as the IRA declared ceasefires in the mid 1990s.
Since then they have been involved in sporadic campaigns of violence, most notoriously in 1998 when a Real IRA bomb attack claimed the lives of 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins, in Omagh, Co Tyrone.
See: PSNI To Bring Back Checkpoints
(BMcC)
According to the latest intelligence service surveillance from MI5, organisations such as the Real IRA and the Continuity IRA currently pose a greater danger than even Islamic extremists.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde has said the threat from republicans opposed to the peace process is the highest at any time this decade.
NI Executive Junior Minister, Jeffrey Donaldson, (pictured) said: "This information comes as no surprise to me as I'm aware of the very high level of activity that there is at the minute from dissident republicans.
"This activity is targeted at members of the security forces and prison services and the threat level is very high at the moment."
He was speaking on foot of news that more than 60% of all electronic information intercepted through wiretaps and other covert operations related to dissident republicans.
These same dissidents have claimed responsibility for murder bids on five police officers in Northern Ireland since November.
They said the Real IRA and Continuity IRA's short-term goal is to kill a Catholic police officer in the hope of deterring young Catholics and nationalists from joining the PSNI.
Dissident republican groups were formed after mainstream paramilitary organisations such as the IRA declared ceasefires in the mid 1990s.
Since then they have been involved in sporadic campaigns of violence, most notoriously in 1998 when a Real IRA bomb attack claimed the lives of 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins, in Omagh, Co Tyrone.
See: PSNI To Bring Back Checkpoints
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 August 2013
Belfast Children Pick Up Unexploded Bomb
Two children are thought to have picked up an unexploded bomb that was thrown at a police station in west Belfast. A pair of devices were thrown at Woodbourne Police Station on Monday night. Police say children picked up the unexploded device and brought it to the front of the station. The explosion happened about 10.
Belfast Children Pick Up Unexploded Bomb
Two children are thought to have picked up an unexploded bomb that was thrown at a police station in west Belfast. A pair of devices were thrown at Woodbourne Police Station on Monday night. Police say children picked up the unexploded device and brought it to the front of the station. The explosion happened about 10.
08 December 2009
Dissident Christmas Terror Campaign Feared
Retailers across Northern Ireland have been urged to step-up security procedures over the festive period, amid a heightened threat from dissident republicans. It is feared terror groups will exploit increased footfall in towns and cities across the province by orchestrating a festive bombing campaign.
Dissident Christmas Terror Campaign Feared
Retailers across Northern Ireland have been urged to step-up security procedures over the festive period, amid a heightened threat from dissident republicans. It is feared terror groups will exploit increased footfall in towns and cities across the province by orchestrating a festive bombing campaign.
17 May 2005
Police question man in connection with Omagh bombing
A man from the Armagh area has been arrested in connection with police inquiries into the 1998 Omagh bombing. A police spokesperson said that the 37-year-old who was arrested today is being questioned at Antrim police station. Earlier this month, police charged Sean Gerard Hoey, 35, from south Armagh with murder in connection with the bombing.
Police question man in connection with Omagh bombing
A man from the Armagh area has been arrested in connection with police inquiries into the 1998 Omagh bombing. A police spokesperson said that the 37-year-old who was arrested today is being questioned at Antrim police station. Earlier this month, police charged Sean Gerard Hoey, 35, from south Armagh with murder in connection with the bombing.
28 April 2011
RIRA Reject Derry Priest's Peace Talks Offer
A dissident republican group thought to be behind several bombings, murders and attempted murders of members of the security forces today rejected an offer of a face-to-face meeting with a catholic priest in Londonderry. Fr Michael Canny, from St Eugene's parish in Derry called on the Real IRA (RIRA) to stop their campaign of terror.
RIRA Reject Derry Priest's Peace Talks Offer
A dissident republican group thought to be behind several bombings, murders and attempted murders of members of the security forces today rejected an offer of a face-to-face meeting with a catholic priest in Londonderry. Fr Michael Canny, from St Eugene's parish in Derry called on the Real IRA (RIRA) to stop their campaign of terror.
07 September 2010
Priest To Meet Families Complaining Of 'Police Harassment'
A Londonderry priest is to meet with supporters of dissident republicans who have claimed that their families are being harassed by the PSNI.
Priest To Meet Families Complaining Of 'Police Harassment'
A Londonderry priest is to meet with supporters of dissident republicans who have claimed that their families are being harassed by the PSNI.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
