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Britain's Special Forces and Their Secret Battle Against the IRA

Kenneth Parker

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Published in Undercover War: Britain S Special Forces And Their Secret Battle Against The IRA

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The Irish Republican Army (IRA) was one of the most feared terrorist organizations in the world. For decades, they waged a bloody campaign of violence against British rule in Northern Ireland. But what many people don't know is that the British government fought back with a secret army of their own: the Special Air Service (SAS) and the Special Boat Service (SBS).

Undercover War: Britain's Special Forces and their secret battle against the IRA

by Harry McCallion

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	207 pages

These elite units were tasked with carrying out covert operations against the IRA. They operated in the shadows, using stealth and deception to track down and neutralize their targets. Their methods were often brutal, but they were effective. The SAS and SBS played a major role in defeating the IRA and bringing peace to Northern Ireland.

The story of Britain's special forces and their secret battle against the IRA is a fascinating one. It is a tale of courage, sacrifice, and betrayal. It is also a story that has been largely untold, until now.

In his new book, "Britain's Special Forces and Their Secret Battle Against the IRA," author Tom Clancy tells the inside story of this extraordinary conflict. Clancy has interviewed dozens of former SAS and SBS operatives, as well as senior government officials. He has also gained access to classified documents that have never been made public before.

The result is a gripping and authoritative account of one of the most important but overlooked chapters in British history. Clancy's book is a must-read for anyone interested in military history, terrorism, or the conflict in Northern Ireland.

The SAS and SBS

The SAS and SBS are two of the most elite special forces units in the world. They are trained to carry out a wide range of operations, including counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and direct action raids.

The SAS was founded in 1941 during World War II. It was originally tasked with carrying out sabotage and reconnaissance missions behind enemy lines. The SBS was founded in 1940 as a naval special forces unit. It is responsible for conducting operations in coastal and maritime environments.

Both the SAS and SBS have a long and distinguished history of service. They have fought in every major conflict since World War II, including the Falklands War, the Gulf War, and the War on Terror.

The Secret War in Northern Ireland

The conflict in Northern Ireland began in the late 1960s as a civil rights movement. However, it soon escalated into a full-scale war between the IRA and the British government.

The IRA was a ruthless terrorist organization that used violence to achieve its political goals. They bombed and shot civilians, kidnapped and murdered British soldiers, and extorted money from businesses.

The British government responded to the IRA campaign with a heavy-handed security crackdown. They deployed thousands of troops to Northern Ireland and introduced internment without trial. This only served to alienate the Catholic community and further fuel the conflict.

In the early 1970s, the British government realized that they needed a new approach to the conflict in Northern Ireland. They turned to the SAS and SBS to carry out covert operations against the IRA.

The SAS and SBS were given a free hand to operate in Northern Ireland. They were tasked with tracking down and neutralizing IRA terrorists, using any means necessary.

The SAS and SBS used a variety of tactics to combat the IRA. They conducted surveillance operations, set up ambushes, and carried out direct action raids. They also worked closely with the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC),the police force in Northern Ireland.

The SAS and SBS were highly effective in their operations against the IRA. They killed or captured hundreds of terrorists and disrupted their operations. However, their methods were often brutal and they were accused of human rights abuses.

The Peace Process

The conflict in Northern Ireland finally came to an end in 1998 with the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. The agreement was the result of years of negotiations between the British government, the Irish government, and the main political parties in Northern Ireland.

The Good Friday Agreement created a new power-sharing government in Northern Ireland. It also established a new police force, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI),which replaced the RUC.

The Good Friday Agreement has been a success. It has brought peace and stability to Northern Ireland and has helped to create a new era of cooperation between the two communities.

The Legacy of the Secret War

The secret war against the IRA was a dark chapter in British history. However, it also played a major role in bringing peace to Northern Ireland. The SAS and SBS were highly effective in their operations against the IRA, and their courage and sacrifice should never be forgotten.

The legacy of the secret war is still being debated today. Some people believe that the SAS and SBS were too brutal in their methods. Others argue that they were necessary to defeat the IRA and bring peace to Northern Ireland.

Whatever your view of the secret war, there is no doubt that it was a complex and controversial chapter in British history. It is a story that is still being told, and it is one that will continue to be debated for years to come.

Undercover War: Britain's Special Forces and their secret battle against the IRA

by Harry McCallion

4.5 out of 5