Northern Ireland: The Troubles: From The Provos to The Det, 1968-1998

During the Troubles in Northern Ireland and the Republic, undercover Special Forces and intelligence agencies were recruited to combat the IRA murder squads. This is the first account to reveal much of this hitherto unpublished information, providing a unique record of surveillance, reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, collusion, and undercover combat. Numerous agencies were active, including the Military Reaction Force, the Special Reconnaissance Unit, MI5, Special Branch, the RUC, the UDR, and the Force Research Unit. The book examines the findings of the Stevens, Cassel, and De Silva reports and looks at operations such as Loughgall, Andersonstown, Gibraltar, and others.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2018
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Throughout the Troubles, from 1969 to 2001 and beyond, undercover Special Forces and intelligence agencies operated in Northern Ireland and the Republic. While their presence is well-documented, the details of their recruitment, operations, mandate, and actions remain largely unknown. This groundbreaking account sheds light on these hitherto unpublished aspects, offering a unique record of surveillance, reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, collusion, and undercover combat. Numerous agencies were involved in combating the IRA murder squads, including the Military Reaction Force (MRF), the Special Reconnaissance Unit (14 Field Security and Intelligence Company), MI5, Special Branch, the RUC, the UDR, and the Force Research Unit (FRU). The book addresses contentious and challenging issues such as shoot-to-kill policies, murder squads, the Disappeared, and collusion with loyalists. It examines the findings of the Stevens, Cassel, and De Silva reports and delves into operations such as Loughgall, Andersonstown, Gibraltar, and others. This comprehensive account provides a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics and operations that unfolded during the Troubles, challenging prevailing narratives and shedding light on the shadowy world of undercover intelligence.

Weight: 344g
Dimension: 233 x 163 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526729170