This timeline details significant actions undertaken by the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) during the period from 1970 to 1979, a particularly violent phase of The Troubles in Northern Ireland. It is crucial to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and only includes publicly documented and widely recognized events.
Background: The Provisional IRA emerged in late 1969/early 1970 as a splinter group from the Irish Republican Army, initially in response to perceived inadequacy of the Official IRA in defending nationalist communities during the early stages of the Troubles. The Provisionals advocated for a more aggressive, armed campaign to achieve a united Ireland and end British rule in Northern Ireland. Their campaign involved bombings, assassinations, ambushes, and other acts of violence targeting British security forces, unionist paramilitaries, and civilian targets deemed to be supporting the British presence.
Timeline:
- 1970: Increased bombing campaign begins, primarily targeting infrastructure and commercial properties in Northern Ireland. Early focus on recruiting and establishing organizational structure.
- 1971: Escalation of violence. First British soldier killed by the Provisional IRA. Increase in paramilitary assassinations. Internment without trial introduced by the British government, further fueling IRA recruitment.
- 1972: Bloody Sunday (January 30). The deadliest year of the conflict. Operation Motorman (July 31), a British Army operation to retake "no-go areas" controlled by republican and loyalist paramilitaries. Intensified bombing campaigns in Belfast and Derry. Ceasefire attempts fail.
- 1973: Continued bombing campaign and armed attacks on security forces. Shift towards more sophisticated bombing tactics.
- 1974: Bombings in England, including the Birmingham pub bombings (November), which resulted in significant casualties and increased anti-Irish sentiment in Britain.
- 1975: A ceasefire is declared in February but breaks down later in the year, leading to renewed violence and sectarian killings.
- 1976: Continued sectarian violence. Increased use of punishment attacks and killings against alleged informers within the nationalist community.
- 1977: Focus on bank robberies and other fundraising activities to support the IRA's campaign. Escalation of the "blanket protest" in Maze Prison (Long Kesh) by republican prisoners demanding political status.
- 1978: Wave of bombings targeting commercial and economic targets in Northern Ireland. Increase in cross-border operations into the Republic of Ireland.
- 1979: Assassination of Lord Mountbatten (August 27) and the Warrenpoint ambush (August 27), which killed 18 British soldiers. These events significantly escalated tensions and led to increased security measures.
Consequences and Legacy:
The Provisional IRA's actions during this period resulted in significant loss of life, widespread social disruption, and deepened sectarian divisions in Northern Ireland. Their campaign had a profound impact on the political landscape and contributed to the prolonged conflict known as the Troubles. This timeline is intended to provide a brief overview of their activities, and further research is encouraged for a more comprehensive understanding. The events outlined here are highly sensitive and have different interpretations depending on political and personal perspectives.