TERRORIST GROUP PROFILES DUDLEY KNOX LIBRARY Naval Postgraduate School

Continuity Irish Republican Army (CIRA); a.k.a. Continuity Army Council

Description
Radical terrorist splinter group formed in 1994 as the clandestine armed wing of Republican Sinn Fein (RSF), a political organization dedicated to the reunification of Ireland. RSF formed after the Irish Republican Army announced a cease-fire in September 1994.

Activities
Bombings, assassinations, kidnappings, extortion, and robberies. Targets include British military and Northern Irish security targets and Northern Irish Loyalist paramilitary groups. Also has launched bomb attacks against predominantly Protestant towns in Northern Ireland. Does not have an established presence or capability to launch attacks on the UK mainland.

Strength
Fewer than 50 hardcore activists. The group probably receives limited support from IRA hardliners who are dissatisfied with the IRA cease-fire and from other republican sympathizers.

Location/Area of Operation
Northern Ireland, Irish Republic.

External Aid
Suspected of receiving funds and arms from sympathizers in the United States.