Real IRA (RIRA)
Goals and Objectives. The Real IRA is dedicated to expelling British troops from Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, and unifying the island of Ireland. RIRA split off from the original Irish Republican Army in 1997 because the leadership of that group declared a cease fire and engaged in the peace process in Northern Ireland. RIRA opposes the peace process, and many believe its aim is to embarrass the original IRA and its political wing, Sinn Fein, by derailing negotiations and the peace process.
Favored Tactics. The Real IRA has conducted bombings, assassinations, and robberies. One tactic the group has employed is the bombing of town centers in an effort to disrupt business and maximize the shock value of its attacks. Since the public outrage caused by the Omagh bombing, however, the group has tended to focus its attacks on police and military targets in Northern Ireland as well as in England.

Brief History. RIRA was formed in 1997-1998 by hardliners within the IRA who opposed the peace process in Northern Ireland that was being negotiated by more moderate members of the IRA and Sinn Fein. The group conducted a series of attacks in 1998. In August 1998, the group bombed the marketplace in Omagh, in Northern Ireland, killing 29, including 9 children, and injuring over 200.381 The bombing was so shocking and so widely condemned that the group declared a cease fire, and claimed that it had not deliberately set out to kill civilians.

In 2000, however, the group resumed its attacks, focusing on government and military targets rather than civilians. In 2000 and 2001, the group conducted numerous attacks in Northern Ireland and London. In March 2001, the group’s leader, Michael (Mickey) McKevitt, was arrested. In October 2002, McKevitt and 40 other imprisoned members declared that further armed resistence was futile and that the RIRA was "at an end." Other members vowed to continue the group’s efforts, however, and RIRA attacks continue sporadically.

Favored Tactics. The Real IRA has conducted bombings, assassinations, and robberies. One tactic the group has employed is the bombing of town centers in an effort to disrupt business and maximize the shock value of its attacks. Since the public outrage caused by the Omagh bombing, however, the group has tended to focus its attacks on police and military targets in Northern Ireland as well as in England.

Anti-American Activities. The Real IRA has not directly targeted or attacked U.S. interests.

Areas of Operation. RIRA operates in Northern Ireland, other parts of the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland.

Strength and Composition. The State Department estimates RIRA’s strength at 100 to 200 activists, plus possible support from members of the IRA who are dissatisfied with the cease fire.

Connections With Other Terrorist Organizations. Irish and Middle Eastern terrorist groups have a long tradition of exchanging expertise in bomb and weapon-making, and the Real IRA is suspected to have continued this tradition.

State Supporters and Other Sources of Funding. RIRA is suspected of receiving support from sympathizers in the United States and of attempting to purchase weapons from U.S. dealers. RIRA is also believed to have bought sophisticated weapons in the Balkans and to have engaged in drug trafficking.

Originally Designated as an FTO. May 16, 2001.

Issues of Concern for Congress. Alleged support for the RIRA from sympathizers in the United States may be a concern for Congress. Also, according to the State Department, the RIRA has attempted to buy weapons from U.S. gun dealers.