Description: Northern Ireland’s police forces launched an investigation into a car explosion that targeted one of the police stations in Belfast. The explosion happened in the Dunmurry area in southern Belfast when an explosive – laden van detonated in front of the local police station. The van had been previously hijacked by unidentified individuals and equipped with an explosive cannister in its trunk. The attack happened days before a crucial parliamentary bill which would strip immunity from prosecution for IRA veterans from the Troubles. Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton claimed that the new IRA (Irish Republican Army) is suspected of conducting the bombing aiming at targeting police officers. Singleton also stated that a similar attack had been thwarted in Mar, where another car hijacking was conducted. The explosion caused material damage and no casualties or injured civilians were reported.
Impact: The increased number of suspected terrorist attacks in the past couple of weeks is likely conducted by remnants of the IRA separatist group in order to impose legislative demands before the crucial vote in the British parliament. The attack is unlikely to sway the voting and the method of conduction of the explosion indicates no real operational, financial or political backing of the attack. New IRA is unlikely to escalate its methods, however, sporadic bombing attempts targeting the country’s police force are likely to be expected. Local police forces are likely to increase operational activities in the upcoming period providing continuity for the Good Friday Agreement and all groups threatening to plunge the country back to its violent separatist past.