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.
25 November 2024
Man Arrested In Connection With £150,000 Cannabis Seizure
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Organised Crime Unit, in partnership with Belfast Harbour Police, have made a significant breakthrough in their fight against drug crime. On Friday evening, November 22nd, a vehicle was intercepted and searched in the West Bank Road area of north Belfast.
Man Arrested In Connection With £150,000 Cannabis Seizure
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Organised Crime Unit, in partnership with Belfast Harbour Police, have made a significant breakthrough in their fight against drug crime. On Friday evening, November 22nd, a vehicle was intercepted and searched in the West Bank Road area of north Belfast.
22 November 2024
Pedestrian Injured In Belfast Hit-and-Run
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a hit-and-run incident in the Botanic Avenue area of Belfast in the early hours of Thursday morning. Officers were called to the scene shortly before 1.30am after a male pedestrian was struck by a maroon Mazda. Despite being injured, the pedestrian left the area before police arrived.
Pedestrian Injured In Belfast Hit-and-Run
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a hit-and-run incident in the Botanic Avenue area of Belfast in the early hours of Thursday morning. Officers were called to the scene shortly before 1.30am after a male pedestrian was struck by a maroon Mazda. Despite being injured, the pedestrian left the area before police arrived.
21 November 2024
Attempted Carjacking In West Belfast
Police are investigating an attempted carjacking in west Belfast on Tuesday, November 19th. At around 5:30pm, a man entered a parked car at Hillhead Court and attempted to steal it. A woman passenger was assaulted when she resisted the man's demands. The suspect, described as a man in his 20s wearing all black, fled the scene on foot.
Attempted Carjacking In West Belfast
Police are investigating an attempted carjacking in west Belfast on Tuesday, November 19th. At around 5:30pm, a man entered a parked car at Hillhead Court and attempted to steal it. A woman passenger was assaulted when she resisted the man's demands. The suspect, described as a man in his 20s wearing all black, fled the scene on foot.
20 November 2024
Three Arrested in L'Derry For Drug Offences
Police in L'Derry have arrested three people and seized drugs worth an estimated £600. The arrests were made following a proactive policing operation in the city. On Monday, 18 November, officers observed suspicious behaviour from a 39-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman in the Strand Road area.
Three Arrested in L'Derry For Drug Offences
Police in L'Derry have arrested three people and seized drugs worth an estimated £600. The arrests were made following a proactive policing operation in the city. On Monday, 18 November, officers observed suspicious behaviour from a 39-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman in the Strand Road area.
20 November 2024
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
