'real' Irish Republican Army

synonyms: Óglaigh na hÉireann; 'Dissident Republicans; 'dissident' Irish Republican Army; Irish Republican Army (IRA) This Republican Paramilitary group was formed in November 1997 from dissident members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). These former members of the IRA were opposed to the 'peace process' and the political leadership of Sinn Féin. The rIRA was believed to include a former 'quartermaster-general' of the IRA and a former 'head of engineering'. There was speculation over the following months that many members of the 'engineering' section of the IRA left to join the rIRA. Membership of the organisation was initially put at between 100 and 200 people. Most of the support for the rIRA was initially in the Dundalk and Newry area with some support in Dublin. It is believed to have political links with the Thirty-Two County Sovereignty Committee. The 'real' IRA is also believed to have close links with the Continuity Irish Republican Army (CIRA). The rIRA is believed to have access to some of the equipment that belonged to the IRA. The following are some of the attacks that the rIRA is believed to have been responsible for: 16 September 1997 - van bomb exploded at RUC station in Markethill, County Armagh 6 January 1998 - car bomb defused in the centre of Banbridge, County Down 20 February 1998 - car bomb exploded at RUC station in Moira, County Down 23 February 1998 - car bomb exploded in centre of Portadown, County Armagh 10 March 1998 - mortar bomb attack on RUC station in Armagh, County Armagh 24 June 1998 - car bomb exploded in Newtownhamilton, County Armagh 22 July 1998 - mortar bomb attack on RUC station in Newry, County Down 28 July 1998 - incendiary bombs found in stores in Portadown, County Armagh 2 August 1998 - car bomb in centre of Banbridge, County Down 15 August 1998 - car bomb in centre of Omagh, County Tyrone; 29 people killed For a full list see the Chronology of Dissident Republican Activity, 1994-2011. The 'real' IRA admitted to being responsible for the bomb in Omagh on Saturday 15 August 1998. This bomb represented the single worst incident in Northern Ireland during the present conflict with 29 people being killed and hundreds injured. On 18 August 1998 the 'real' IRA announced a suspension of its activities. However, the organisation subsequently reverted to violence with occasional attacks in Northern Ireland and in England. The rIRA may have been responsible for the bomb in London on 4 March 2001. On 26 July 2012 media organisations received a statment which indicated that there had been a realignment and merger of a number of Dissident Republican paramilitary groups. It was reported (The Guardian; 26 July 2012) that the 'real' Irish Republican Army (rIRA) had merged with Republican Action Against Drugs (RAAD) and some other smaller Dissident Republican paramilitary groups. The new grouping adopted the name 'Irish Republican Army'. It was also reported that the 'real' IRA and RAAD will cease to exist as of 26 July 2012. Membership: Membership is probably numbered in the dozens. When the rIRA called its ceasefire in 1998 it is believed that some members joined the CIRA. Arsenal: The rIRA is believed to be in the possession of some weapons that were taken from IRA dumps. The rIRA probably has access to a few dozen rifles, machine guns, and pistols; a small amount of Semtex (commercial high explosive); and a small number of detonators. Statements: 'Real' Irish Republican Army (rIRA) Prisoners. (2002). Statement issued by jailed members of the rIRA in Portlaoise Prison calling on the Army Council of the organisation to "stand down", (20 October 2002). Portlaoise: rIRA Prisoners. 'Real' Irish Republican Army (rIRA). (2003). Statement based on a series of questions and answers, (28 January 2003). Derry: rIRA. 'Real' Irish Republican Army (rIRA). (2009). Easter statement read at 32 County Sovereignty Movement Commemoration at the Republican Plot in Derry City Cemetery, (28 January 2003). Derry: rIRA. Irish Republican Army (IRA). (2012). Irish Republican Army (IRA) Statement About A New Grouping, Derry, (26 July 2012). Derry: IRA Army Council. See also: Chronology of Dissident Republican Activity, 1994-2011