Country Report on Terrorism 2024 - Chapter 4 - New Irish Republican Army (New IRA)

New Irish Republican Army

Aka:  New IRA; NIRA; Real IRA; RIRA; Real Irish Republican Army; IRA Army Council; 32 County Sovereignty Committee; 32 County Sovereignty Movement; Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association; Real Óglaighnah Éireann.

Description:  The New Irish Republican Army (New IRA) was originally designated as an FTO on May 16, 2001, under the name Real Irish Republican Army.  The group was formed in 1997 as the clandestine armed wing of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement, a “political pressure group” dedicated to removing British forces from Northern Ireland and unifying Ireland.  The New IRA has historically sought to disrupt the Northern Ireland peace process and did not participate in the 2005 weapons decommissioning.  Despite internal rifts and calls by some jailed members (including the group’s founder, Michael “Mickey” McKevitt) for a ceasefire and disbandment, the New IRA has pledged additional violence and continued to conduct attacks.  Many New IRA members are former Provisional Irish Republican Army members who left the organization after the group renewed its ceasefire in 1997.  These members brought extensive experience in terrorist tactics and bomb making to the group.

Activities:  In November, the New IRA was blamed for a pipe bomb attack on the home of an elderly couple in Derry, Northern Ireland, that police believe was intended for a different target.

Strength:  The New IRA was estimated to have about 100 members.

Location/Area of Operation:  United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

Funding and External Aid:  The New IRA receives funds from money laundering, smuggling, and other criminal activities; was suspected of receiving funds from sympathizers in the United States; and has attempted to buy weapons from gun dealers in the United States and the Balkans.

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