The Mackenzie Institute
Real Irish Republican Army (RIRA)
(True IRA)
Description/History:
The Real IRA split from the Provisional IRA in 1998 over political differences, forming an armed counterpart to the political 32-Country Sovereignty Movement. The group shares the common IRA goal of reunifying Northern Ireland and Ireland, but rejects the PIRA ceasefire and the Belfast Agreement, continuing to direct violence against the British government in Northern Ireland.
The group was mostly formed of ex-IRA members, including its initial leader Mickey McKevitt, providing the group with considerable tactical experience. Additional weapons were taken from PIRA arms dumps and smuggled from Croatia. Estimated at fewer than a hundred members, the group likely receives support from some remaining hardcore IRA and is loosely affiliated with Continuity IRA, although the PIRA opposes it for its continued violence. Despite arrests and other countermeasures, the group remains capable and committed to violence and the IRA lifestyle.
Activities
The Real IRA conducts bombings, shootings, and robberies against the British military and police and other targets in Northern Ireland, including civilians and Protestant towns. Attacks have included landmines, mortars, and car bombs, most famously the 1998 Omagh car bombing which claimed 29 casualties and injured hundreds. A brief ceasefire followed until 2000, after which a renewed campaign has included numerous bomb attacks against the UK mainland.
Location
The Real IRA is active in Northern Ireland, Ireland and Great Britain.
Financing
Like the PIRA, the Real IRA received donations from sympathizers in the United States. Support from Libya is also suspected.