From The Independent · · 1m 30s
SAS: Shadow War Reveals IRA Killings
SAS soldiers reveal first public account of IRA killings in Northern Ireland conflict.
In brief
SAS soldiers reveal first public account of IRA killings in Northern Ireland conflict. SAS soldiers describe how they killed IRA members in the 1970s-1990s, including a 1978 shooting that killed two soldiers and an IRA member who later died in prison. Originally reported by The Independent.
SAS soldiers share first public stories
Fifteen SAS soldiers and intelligence officers broke cover to tell stories of killing IRA members in Northern Ireland conflict actions from the late 1970s to late 1990s.
1978 shooting incident
SAS soldier Blue was shot three times in a 1978 incident in South Derry, killing his comrade David Jones and IRA volunteer Frankie Hughes.
Frankie Hughes' fate
Frankie Hughes, an IRA senior volunteer, was injured in the 1978 shooting and later died in Maze prison in 1981 as a hunger striker.
1988 Drumnakilly incident
SAS commander George Simm posed as a coal delivery driver in 1988 to kill three IRA gunmen at Drumnakilly.
1988 shooting details
George Simm faked a puncture on his truck, then three IRA gunmen were killed by SAS soldiers hiding in a hedgerow.
“I remember I was fiddling around in the middle of the road and heard a car. It was definitely over-revving and it was racing up the road. And about 30 yards from where I was, out popped, who I now know to be young Martin Harte, and opened fire on me. And I counted his rounds...”
IRA's 'shoot to kill' claim
IRA families claim the 1988 incident shows a state-sponsored 'shoot-to-kill' policy that led to legal action.
SAS commander's view
SAS commander Richard Williams says 'the currency of war is death', killing forces destroys enemy courage.
“the currency of war is death”
New legislation concerns
SAS soldiers fear new Northern Ireland Troubles Bill will expose them to legal action for past killings.
In short
SAS soldiers describe how they killed IRA members in the 1970s-1990s, including a 1978 shooting that killed two soldiers and an IRA member who later died in prison.
