IRA SPLINTER GROUPS

Irish National Liberation army

By Ellia and Tashya

Formed in 1975 Military wing of the Irish Republican Socialist

Party which split from the Official IRA (OIRA) due to its cease fire in 1972

Belief in Marxist Ideology

When and why did they begin ?

Active in Belfast and the border

areas of Northern Ireland - carried out bombings, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, extortion, and robberies.

Bombing of Ballykelly pub that killed 17 people in 1982

Gunmen shot dead Billy Wright who was the notorious leader of the protestant "loyalist" terrorist group as he was serving a sentence in Northern Irelands Maze prison in December 1997

Targets include British military, Northern Ireland security targets, and loyalist paramilitary groups

Responsible for any bombings/attacks?

Experts say these days that the

INLA is known more for its participation in the drug trade and other criminal activities than it is for outright terrorism.

Least active of the splinter groups

Announced ceasefire in August 1998

Continues to carry out occasional attacks and punishment beatings