The New IRA has announced its intention to target residences of police officers in Northern Ireland following an explosive incident involving a car bomb.
The dissident republican faction has taken credit for detonating a car bomb near a police station in Dunmurry, close to Belfast, over the weekend. In a communication attributed to the “leadership of the IRA” and conveyed to the Irish News, the New IRA warned of severe consequences for individuals aiding the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Their statement indicated that the explosion in Dunmurry was designed to harm officers leaving the premises.
Fortunately, there were no casualties reported after the explosion on Saturday night, which occurred shortly after 10:50 pm. Despite the absence of injuries, the blast caused significant damage, prompting the evacuation of families in the vicinity.
The group coerced a delivery driver into transporting a bomb containing Semtex explosives, along with an electrical detonator and a timing mechanism. The PSNI has now initiated a visible policing campaign to counter the threat posed by dissident republicans.
Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck emphasized the escalation of policing activities across Northern Ireland to address the persistent threat from dissident groups, particularly in light of the recent assault on Dunmurry Police Station. Beck stressed the importance of safeguarding communities and police personnel, urging community cooperation in achieving this goal.
The operation will involve heightened vehicle checkpoints and increased officer patrols, potentially causing inconveniences for the public. Nonetheless, authorities are seeking patience and support from communities as they strive to ensure safety.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill condemned the incident, calling for a focus on condemnation rather than political posturing. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly underscored the urgency of addressing the security situation in Northern Ireland at the national level.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced the attack, while Secretary of State Hilary Benn characterized the perpetrators as a minority group acting solely in their own interests during a session in the House of Commons.
Police Chief Constable Jon Boutcher labeled the incident as an assault on the entire community, condemning those responsible as reckless individuals. This event occurred shortly after a thwarted car bomb attempt at Lurgan police station.