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In a controversial decision that has sparked outrage among military veterans, 24 former SAS soldiers who participated in a pivotal 1987 operation against the IRA now face potential murder charges following a policy shift by the Labour government.
The soldiers were involved in what many consider the SAS’s greatest success against the IRA at Loughgall, County Armagh, where they neutralized an eight-man IRA unit planning to attack a Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) base. Having received intelligence about the impending assault, SAS operatives were positioned at the location when the IRA members arrived with assault rifles and a 400-pound bomb.
All eight IRA militants, including notorious leaders Jim “The Executioner” Lynagh and Padraig McKearney, were killed in the ensuing firefight. Now, nearly four decades later, the soldiers face renewed scrutiny over claims they disregarded the terrorists’ human rights during the operation.
The timing of this development is particularly poignant as it coincides with Remembrance Sunday, when the UK honors its armed forces’ sacrifices.
Breaking decades of silence, one SAS veteran who participated in the Loughgall operation has spoken exclusively about the situation, describing it as “a farcical betrayal of soldiers” where politicians are “hanging soldiers out to dry.”
“Loughgall was a defensive rearguard action against those IRA thugs. We did our job for our country and we’re being persecuted for it,” said the veteran, who has suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and physical injuries since the operation.
He vividly described the chaos of the confrontation: “Bullets were ricocheting everywhere as the IRA opened fire and the detonation of the bomb caused the police station to partially collapse. There was dust and debris everywhere. I couldn’t hear or see, the radios stopped working and I thought the SAS soldier next to me had been killed. It was total confusion.”
The renewed legal threat comes after the Labour government scrapped the Conservative’s Legacy Act, which had introduced protections for troops who served during the Troubles. The decision to hold new inquests for the Loughgall incident and eight other cases follows the recent clearing of a former Parachute Regiment soldier known as “Soldier F” of murder charges related to Bloody Sunday in 1972.
These developments represent a significant policy shift in how historical operations during Northern Ireland’s Troubles are handled. The new inquests and potential criminal investigations will be based on European human rights law, specifically Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects individuals’ right to life.
Critics of the government’s approach argue that Republican groups have exploited this legal framework to claim that security forces failed to prevent loss of life during operations against armed terrorists.
Tensions between government departments appear to be mounting, with sources indicating “furious rows” occurred between the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) and the Ministry of Defence. According to reports, the NIO overruled the MoD on whether to proceed with another inquest into Loughgall.
Former SAS Sergeant Major George Simm condemned the situation, questioning how many examples of “human rights lawfare stupidity” British citizens must witness before officials recognize the damage being done to national security.
The Daily Mail has campaigned to protect veterans of the Troubles, with a petition opposing their prosecution gathering over 200,000 signatures.
Last month, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn announced to Parliament that “nine inquests will be restored,” with Loughgall specifically mentioned among them. The remaining 24 cases will undergo a “sifting process” to determine if they should be referred to the government’s new Legacy Commission for investigation.
A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Office stated that “The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill sets out the criteria for resumption of inquests which had started and were halted by the Legacy Act.”
As the legal proceedings unfold, many veterans fear the repercussions could extend beyond those directly involved, potentially affecting current military operations by making active personnel hesitant to engage in combat situations for fear of future prosecution.
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17 Comments
This is a highly complex and sensitive issue with valid concerns on both sides. I hope the authorities can find a balanced approach that upholds the principles of justice while also honoring the sacrifices made by our armed forces.
This is a highly complex and sensitive issue with valid concerns on both sides. While the SAS operation was successful in neutralizing the IRA threat, the potential human rights violations raise difficult moral and legal questions that deserve careful consideration.
This is a delicate balance between the need for accountability and the recognition of the sacrifices made by our troops. I hope the authorities can find a way to address this legacy issue in a manner that is fair and respectful to all involved.
This is a highly complex and sensitive issue that deserves careful consideration. While the SAS operation was successful in neutralizing the IRA threat, the potential human rights violations raise difficult moral and legal questions that must be addressed.
The passage of time and evolving standards of justice mean this issue requires a nuanced and sensitive approach. While the SAS operation was undoubtedly successful, the potential human rights violations cannot be ignored.
The passage of time and evolving standards of justice mean this issue requires a nuanced and sensitive approach. While the SAS operation was undoubtedly successful, the potential human rights violations cannot be ignored.
Well said. The authorities must tread carefully to address this complex and emotive issue.
I can understand the outrage from military veterans, as the SAS soldiers were acting in the line of duty to protect the public. However, the passage of time and evolving standards of justice necessitate a thorough review of the events, even if unpalatable.
This is a delicate balance between honoring the sacrifices of our armed forces and upholding the rule of law. I hope the authorities can find a way to address this legacy issue sensitively and fairly for all involved.
Agreed. It’s important to strike the right balance and avoid further inflaming tensions within the veteran community.
I can understand the outrage from military veterans, as the SAS soldiers were acting in the line of duty to protect the public. However, the passage of time and evolving standards of justice necessitate a thorough review of the events, even if unpalatable.
This is a complex and emotive issue with valid concerns on both sides. I hope the authorities can find a balanced approach that upholds the principles of justice while also honoring the sacrifices made by our armed forces.
Well said. It’s important to find a resolution that is fair and respectful to all affected parties.
The timing of this development is indeed poignant, as it coincides with Remembrance Sunday. It’s important to strike the right tone and not let political motives overshadow the solemn recognition of our troops’ bravery and service.
Agreed. The authorities must tread carefully to avoid further inflaming tensions within the veteran community.
This is a delicate balance between honoring the sacrifices of our armed forces and upholding the rule of law. I hope the authorities can find a way to address this legacy issue sensitively and fairly for all involved.
The timing of this development is indeed poignant, as it coincides with Remembrance Sunday. It’s important to strike the right tone and not let political motives overshadow the solemn recognition of our troops’ bravery and service.