NCJ Number
192109
Journal
Studies in Conflict & Terrorism Volume: 24 Issue: 6 Dated: November/December 2001 Pages: 451-465
Date Published
2001
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the bombers, their tactics and strategy, and the purpose behind a car bombing in Omagh, Northern Ireland on August 15, 1998.
Abstract
Saturday, August 15, 1998 saw one of the worst terrorist incidents in the history of the current Northern Ireland troubles. A car bomb exploded in the center of the small County Tyrone market town of Omagh killing 29 people and injuring 200 others. All of those killed and nearly all of those injured had no connection with the security forces. The purpose of this article is to explore the dynamics behind the bombing of Omagh. This involved a review of the terrorist group involved, namely the so-called Real IRA, who they are, what their purpose was, and what their relationship is with other republican groups. Next, by looking at the choice Omagh as a target, the intention was to understand tactics and strategies: what the bombers sought to accomplish and why. The article then analyzes the bombing operation itself: how the operation was carried out, what actually happened, and what the bombers intended. Finally, the repercussions of the bombing and how it fits in with the wider political picture with the Province and Republican groups is discussed. In many ways, the bombing was not unusual as portrayed by the media, but a continuation of what had been happening for the last 30 years; thus it is instructive in itself as an “ideal” terrorist operation. 45 notes