Special squad subdues terrorists

Press, 1 June 1977, Page 8

Special squad subdues terrorists

NZPA-Reuter Belfast A special undercover police squad nicknamed the “Ants” is having spectacular successes in combatting violence by both Roman Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland according to police sources. The unit, set up a year ago, has just had its best month so far in tackling the unsolved shootings, bombings, and sectarian murders of the Britishruled province. Sixteen people were charged by the Northern Ireland police in May with a total of 25 murders and 23 with attempted murder and conspiracy to murder. Twenty more people have been charged with possessing explosives and 40 with gun offences. One of the Ants’ most notable successes has been the arrest of high-ranking officers of paramilitary groups on both sides in the bitter war.

The Ants work closely with other police units and place the emphasis on tight long-term surveillance of suspects rather than infiltration of street armies and guerrilla groups. Both the guerrilla Irish Republican Army, which is fighting the British, and Protestant pro-British groups such as the Ulster Volunteer Force and Ulster Freedom Fighters have felt the brunt of the intensive police campaign.

The U.V.F. last week-end announced an indefinite ceasefire, but a spokesman denied it was called to provide a breathing space from police pressure. A police spokesman commented: “Arrests have doubled since last year.” Describing the technique of close surveillance, one police officer said: “Sometimes with this kind of work you can go for months without obtaining results, but now it seems to be paying off.” Security officials say the tide of violence may be turning. In the first four months of 1977 there were 57 deaths, compared to 111 in the same period last year, and the number of shooting and bombing incidents is down and more hidden weapons have been seized.