Terrorism

Number of security alerts indicate heightened concern

Pete Baker on August 7, 2010, 2:52 pm

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[Updated below the fold] Yesterday’s security alert in east Belfast has been declared a hoax, and another in the Gobnascale area of Londonderry has ended after army bomb experts examined a ‘suspicious’ van following reports of masked men and shots being fired. And more army bomb experts are examining a suspicious object found near the home of a police officer in Kilkeel, County Down. Adds From the updated BBC report [The police officer] is the niece of independent republican councillor Martin Connolly, who left Sinn Fein three years …

Strand Road Police Station Targeted Again

Pete Baker on August 3, 2010, 11:52 am

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A car bomb exploded last night at the Strand Road police station in Londonderry. The station had previously been the target of an improvised mortar attack at the end of May. Meanwhile police are also investigating reports of an explosion this morning at the Brownlow police station in Craigavon. Adds updated BBC report. Pete Baker

“We’re here to give you your area back…”

Pete Baker on July 29, 2010, 10:31 pm

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There was an attempted punishment shooting in the Falls Road area of west Belfast last Thursday – 4 men and a 16 year old boy have been charged. Yesterday an 18 year old was shot in both legs after he was abducted by four masked men, also in the Falls Road area. Meanwhile the Irish News reported today that More than 40 members of dissident republican group Oglaigh na hEireann (ONH) are believed to have been involved in attacks in the troubled St James’s area …

NI Secretary of State Orders Road Closure at Army Base

Pete Baker on July 26, 2010, 5:09 pm

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The BBC reports that the Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Owen Paterson, has used “his executive power” to order the closure of a section of the Shore Road at the Ballykinler Army Base following a security review by the PSNI. From the BBC report About 200m of the road has been closed off, following what was described as a “security review” carried out by the PSNI. Local residents were consulted before the plan was implemented, including two households that were …

Lord Carlile: “paramount need for continuous vigilance in Northern Ireland”

Pete Baker on July 22, 2010, 9:52 pm

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As the BBC notes, the independent reviewer of government anti-terrorist legislation, Lord Carlile, has published his latest report [pdf file]. From the BBC report The relevant [Northern Ireland] section states: “2009 and early 2010 have demonstrated that there is a paramount need for continuous vigilance in Northern Ireland, despite the progress of recent years. “The number of terrorism incidents in Northern Ireland has increased, as has the evidence of the existence of determined and dangerous groups of dissident republicans with the ability to …

Explosion reported in south Armagh

Pete Baker on July 10, 2010, 6:49 pm

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From the BBC report Police are investigating reports of an explosion in south Armagh. It happened at about 1700 BST on Sunday Saturday between Belleek and Cullyhanna. The explosion is believed to have happened at a bridge on Carrickrovaddy Road. At this stage, there are no reports of any injuries. Update RTÉ report adds A bomb has exploded on the Carrickavaddy Road, between Newtown Hamilton and Whitecross in south Armagh this evening. It is believed it was a roadside bomb, …

Two convicted in Real IRA arms plot trial

Pete Baker on June 30, 2010, 5:08 pm

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As reported here. 35 security service agents applied for anonymity before the start of the trial. Previously, the judge ruled that a third defendant had been entrapped by MI5. From the BBC report The judge described the Security Services’ operation as an “elaborate and successful” hoax. The trial was the first for 20 years in which MI5 agents gave evidence in a Belfast court. McCaugherty showed no emotion and occasionally yawned as Mr Justice Hart, sitting in a Diplock, no-jury court, …

ETA suspect refused bail

Pete Baker on June 28, 2010, 7:39 pm

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The BBC reports today’s court appearance of suspected ETA terrorist Fermin Vila Michelena, who was arrested in Belfast on Thursday. According to his barrister, Michelena has been living in Belfast under an assumed name since 2007. From the BBC report The barrister accepted his client, who lived alone at a flat in north Belfast, was using an assumed name. But he claimed this was to avoid detection from the Spanish authorities and persecution for his beliefs. “He has long admired the ongoing …

Suspected ETA terrorist arrested in Belfast

Pete Baker on June 25, 2010, 11:49 am

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RTÉ reports that the Spanish interior ministry has identified a 40-year-old man arrested in Belfast on Thursday, under terrorism legislation in a joint operation between the PSNI and Spanish police, as Fermin Vila Michelena. From the BBC report Michelena is a suspected member of the armed Basque separatist group ETA and wanted in Spain for a number of attacks. The Spanish interior ministry said he was the subject of three arrest warrants. The ministry said he was part of ETA’s Madrid cell …

Army makes safe substantial viable device in South Armagh

Pete Baker on June 24, 2010, 9:39 pm

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A three day security alert in Keady, south Armagh, ended today with Army technical officers making safe a reported 160lb bomb. Police believe a fire started in the area on Sunday morning was an attempt to lure officers into an ambush. In February there was a failed improvised mortar attack on the police station in Keady. From the RTÉ report At a press facility today, Area Commander Chief Inspector Ken Mawhinney said that those responsible were intent on killing or causing serious …

Security situation in Foyle deteriorating

Pete Baker on June 10, 2010, 1:26 pm

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Police in Londonderry are already second-guessing emergency calls, now the PSNI commander in Foyle has told the BBC that the security situation in the district is deteriorating. Commander Chris Yates said the threat in the district was “severe”, and had been for “a long time” . “Severe means that an attack is highly likely and the figures bear that out,” he said. “In 2008/09 there were 28 terrorists offences within G District. Last year there was 106. We are on …

NI curriculum now includes lessons from ex-terrorists…

Belfast Gonzo on June 5, 2010, 8:00 am

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THE Education Minister snuck this press release out in the news graveyard of a Friday afternoon, but I think it’s worth highlighting, as it will probably provoke strong reactions one way or the other. A new resource for local schools entitled, ‘From Prison to Peace: Building on Experience’, has been launched. The resource, “which has been developed by a partnership of community and former prisoner groups from all sides of the community, provides a range of interesting, challenging and informative …

London shuts down…

Mick Fealty on July 7, 2005, 12:00 am

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Given I was in London only yesterday (thus the pacity of blogging from me) this morning’s news has a greater shock value. Now it seems the tube network is effectively closing down. The death toll is likely to rise during the day, but current estimates are about 20. It appears at least one bus has been ripped apart in Russell Square. It looks like a co-ordinated attack on London’s transport infrastructure. Up-date: We’re hearing via the BBC that all public …