NORTHERN IRELAND

The SAS has a constant presence in Northern Ireland, particularly Omagh. It has aconstant response capability, with green (army uniformed) and civilian dressed teams standing by with acess to cars and other methods of transport.

During the years of 1976 to 1987, 25 IRA terrorists were killed by the SAS. 4 men of the SAS died during that period.

Operation Judy was a major blow for the IRA...

TIMELINE

1969 - D squadron SAS openly deployed on the streets of Londonderry and Belfast to keep order.

1970 - IRA declares war on Britain.

1976 - Official deployment of D Squadrons 75 men announced. Base set up at Bessbrook Mill, and senior Army officials admit intelligence to be almost non existent.

IRA Commander Sean McKenna is lifted by the SAS from his home in the Irish Republic.

IRA Terrorist Sean Cleary is lifted from his fiances house in Irish Republic but killed after an escape attempt.

Eight SAS men arrested by the Garda for entering the Irish Republic.

Seamus Harvey is killed by the SAS, during a surveillance operation.

1980 - 1990 - Only 20 SAS men known to be in NI.

ROLL OF HONOUR OF SAS CASUALTIES

THE DET

This is an army intelligence gathering unit based in NI for the covert intelligence and interception of PIRA terrorist and terrorist acts. Members of the SAS routinely take one or two tours in the det, although the service, formerly know as 14 Int, is not trusted to the greatest extents by the SAS due to its daredevil approaches. Before joing the det, recruits must take a training course which covers all forms of espionage, surveillance, demolitions, fast driving, jap slapping (martial art designed for maximum effect with minimum 'flashy' looks), and other needed skills.