The term "Provisional IRA" refers to a militant Irish republican group that operated from the late 1960s to the late 1990s. The word "Provisional" is spelled /prəˈvɪʒənl/, with the stress on the second syllable. The word "IRA" is an acronym for "Irish Republican Army" and is spelled /aɪ ɑr ˈeɪ/. The Provisional IRA was known for its use of violence and terrorist tactics in pursuit of Irish unification. Today, the group has largely ceased its activities and has disbanded.
The Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) was a paramilitary organization that operated in Northern Ireland during the late 20th century. The group emerged in 1969 as an offshoot of the original IRA, as a response to escalating violence and political tensions. The Provisional IRA sought to achieve a united and independent Ireland by force, primarily targeting British military forces and infrastructure in Northern Ireland.
As a paramilitary organization, the Provisional IRA employed guerrilla tactics, bombings, assassinations, and ambushes to undermine British control and influence in Northern Ireland. Actions by the group during this time resulted in numerous casualties, including soldiers, police officers, and civilians, contributing significantly to the ongoing conflict known as "The Troubles."
The Provisional IRA functioned based on a hierarchical structure, with an Army Council and various Brigades responsible for planning and executing operations. It maintained a strong sense of secrecy, often operating covertly and maintaining safe houses and hidden arms caches.
The organization entered into ceasefires in 1994 and 1997, marking a shift toward a more political approach to achieving its objectives. Following these ceasefires, the Provisional IRA formally disbanded in 2005 and decommissioned its weapons. Although other splinter groups have emerged since, the Provisional IRA is often seen as a significant chapter in the history of the conflict in Northern Ireland. It played a central role in shaping political negotiations that ultimately led to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, which sought to establish a power-sharing government and bring an end to the violence.
The term "Provisional IRA" has its roots in the Irish Republican Army (IRA), a paramilitary organization that originated in the early 20th century. The IRA aimed to establish an independent Irish republic, free from British rule.
The word "provisional" in "Provisional IRA" denotes a temporary or interim state, indicating a distinction within the IRA organization. In the late 1960s, the IRA had become divided along ideological lines, with some members advocating for more political and left-wing approaches, while others preferred a more traditional armed struggle.
In 1969, a split occurred, resulting in the formation of two factions: the Official IRA and the Provisional IRA. The Official IRA adhered to a Marxist ideology and pursued a primarily political path, renouncing the use of violence.