Menu
06/03/2009
MI5 Work In NI 'Still Considerable'
Around 15% of MI5 resources were deployed in Northern Ireland last year, a parliamentary group has said.
While the Secret Intelligence Service is devoting considerable resources to NI, according to a report from the Parliamentary committee, this is down on the previous year.
The intelligence service's operational capacity expended in NI is two per cent less than the previous year, but 15% of data gathering is still focused on "Irish-related terrorism".
According to the Intelligence & Security Committee Report, the growing threat from dissident republicans extends to the entire UK.
However, the committee has recognised that loyalist factions continue to peddle in criminality, which is under observation.
In recent days MI5 (its London HQ is pictured) has raised the threat level posed by dissidents in NI from "substantial" to "severe", which could suggest an attack is imminent.
The level had remained "substantial" for a number of years, with a rise in attacks on police and the planting of viable bombs across the province.
It is believed dissident republicans are becoming better organised, despite the lack of a central command structure.
Intelligence has also pointed to the use of more sophisticated and technically advanced weaponry by the terrorists.
In recent months the police have managed to foil a number of plots orchestrated by dissidents, which had the potential to cause a huge loss of life.
However, security chiefs are convinced the terrorists are becoming increasing intent on carnage.
(PR/BMcC)
While the Secret Intelligence Service is devoting considerable resources to NI, according to a report from the Parliamentary committee, this is down on the previous year.
The intelligence service's operational capacity expended in NI is two per cent less than the previous year, but 15% of data gathering is still focused on "Irish-related terrorism".
According to the Intelligence & Security Committee Report, the growing threat from dissident republicans extends to the entire UK.
However, the committee has recognised that loyalist factions continue to peddle in criminality, which is under observation.
In recent days MI5 (its London HQ is pictured) has raised the threat level posed by dissidents in NI from "substantial" to "severe", which could suggest an attack is imminent.
The level had remained "substantial" for a number of years, with a rise in attacks on police and the planting of viable bombs across the province.
It is believed dissident republicans are becoming better organised, despite the lack of a central command structure.
Intelligence has also pointed to the use of more sophisticated and technically advanced weaponry by the terrorists.
In recent months the police have managed to foil a number of plots orchestrated by dissidents, which had the potential to cause a huge loss of life.
However, security chiefs are convinced the terrorists are becoming increasing intent on carnage.
(PR/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 October 2021
Two Men Arrested Over Lyra McKee Murder
Two more men have been arrested in connection with the death of Lyra McKee. The journalist was shot dead while observing dissident republican rioting in April 2019 in the Creggan Estate in L'Derry. Police investigating Ms McKee's killing arrested two men, aged 44 and 53, in L'Derry early this morning.
Two Men Arrested Over Lyra McKee Murder
Two more men have been arrested in connection with the death of Lyra McKee. The journalist was shot dead while observing dissident republican rioting in April 2019 in the Creggan Estate in L'Derry. Police investigating Ms McKee's killing arrested two men, aged 44 and 53, in L'Derry early this morning.
05 March 2018
Man Arrested Over Violent Dissident Republican Activity
A 42-year-old man has been arrested in connection with violent dissident republican activity. The suspect has been detained under the Terrorism Act.
Man Arrested Over Violent Dissident Republican Activity
A 42-year-old man has been arrested in connection with violent dissident republican activity. The suspect has been detained under the Terrorism Act.
04 August 2017
Police Seize Gun And Cash In West Belfast Searches
Police investigating dissident republican activity have seized a firearm during a search operation in West Belfast. The searches were carried out in Andersontown area on Thursday, 03 August. Detectives from the Serious Crime Branch also discovered a sum of cash and a small quantity of suspected drugs during the operation.
Police Seize Gun And Cash In West Belfast Searches
Police investigating dissident republican activity have seized a firearm during a search operation in West Belfast. The searches were carried out in Andersontown area on Thursday, 03 August. Detectives from the Serious Crime Branch also discovered a sum of cash and a small quantity of suspected drugs during the operation.
06 July 2017
Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Violent Dissident Republican Activity
A man has been arrested on suspicion of violent dissident republic activity. The 53-year-old was detained in east Belfast and has been taken to Musgrave serious crime suite for questioning. The arrest is in connection with shots being fired over a coffin in west Belfast on Tuesday, 04 July.
Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Violent Dissident Republican Activity
A man has been arrested on suspicion of violent dissident republic activity. The 53-year-old was detained in east Belfast and has been taken to Musgrave serious crime suite for questioning. The arrest is in connection with shots being fired over a coffin in west Belfast on Tuesday, 04 July.
13 June 2017
Number Of Searches Carried Out In West Belfast
A number of searches have been carried out at premises in west Belfast on Monday, 12 June. The PSNI's Terrorism and Investigation unit carried out the searches in the Falls Road area. They were in connection with ongoing dissident republican activity in Belfast.
Number Of Searches Carried Out In West Belfast
A number of searches have been carried out at premises in west Belfast on Monday, 12 June. The PSNI's Terrorism and Investigation unit carried out the searches in the Falls Road area. They were in connection with ongoing dissident republican activity in Belfast.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
