Four quizzed after anti-tank weapon seized
Four suspected dissident republicans were being questioned by police in Northern Ireland tonight following a ‘‘sting’’ operation during which a sophisticated rocket launcher and warhead were seized.
Fears of a renewed offensive against the security forces by dissidents were heightened following the weapon find.
The armour-piercing anti-tank RPG22 was seized by police in a staunchly republican housing estate in Coalisland, Co Tyrone.
Police said its discovery had saved lives.
The four men were arrested at the scene after what police described as an ‘‘extremely significant’’ seizure.
Raymond White, the Police Service of Northern Ireland Assistant Chief Constable for the area said: ‘‘I have no doubt that lives have been saved. At this stage, it appears to be a significant success against dissident republican terrorists.’’
He said the launcher was found in a residential area, 20 metres from the back of houses.
‘‘It’s an extremely significant find due to the type of weaponry recovered. It was a tremendous piece of police work and the officers involved should be commended.
‘‘Their professionalism and courage have prevented terrorists from launching an attack,’’ he said.
In a follow up security operation property in Coalisland and Dungannon a few miles away were carried out. There were no further arrests.
Police sources said the weapon was in perfect condition with ‘‘not a speck of dirt on it’’, suggesting dissidents have a recent source of supply rather than taking weapons out of an old stockpile.
Dissident republicans are known to be in possession of a number of the devices, but security force seizures are rare one was found in Dungannon a year ago. It was the same weapon which was used by the Real IRA in its September 2000 on the London headquarters of MI6.
ACC White said because of the RPG22’s armour piercing capabilities, the consequences of a strike on an army or police vehicle would be ‘‘devastating’’.
