TERRORIST
GROUP
PROFILES
MILNET
|
|
Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA)
From: Patterns of Global Terrorism. United States Department of State Publication 10321
Other Names
The Provos
Description
A radical terrorist group formed in 1969 as the 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. Targets
senior British Government officials, British military and police in Northern
Ireland, and Northern Irish Loyalist paramilitary groups. PIRA's operations
on mainland Britain in 1993 included a large truck bombing in London's
financial district and a major bombing campaign against train and subway
stations and shopping areas.[Observed ceasefire through all fo 1995.]
Strength
Several hundred, plus several thousand sympathizers.
Location/Area of Operation
Northern Ireland, Irish Republic, Great Britain, and Western Europe.
External Aid
Has received aid from a variety of groups and countries and considerable
training and arms from Libya and, at one time, the PLO. Also is suspected of
receiving funds and arms from sympathizers in the United States. Similarities in operations suggest links
with ETA.
Created: 04/02/95
Last Updated: 02/10/97
Page Maintained by George Goncalves - ggoncalves@nps.navy.mil