Irish police have intercepted a car carrying what they described as an “extremely significant” explosive device that was allegedly being driven across the border to carry out an attack in Northern Ireland, leading to the arrest of two suspects.
The operation took place on Wednesday, July 22, when officers stopped the vehicle on the N2 near Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, at about 3:00 p.m. local time during an intelligence led operation targeting dissident republican activities.
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly confirmed on Friday, July 24, that officers discovered a substantial explosive device inside the vehicle after it was stopped. He described the seizure as “extremely significant” and said the operation had prevented a potentially serious attack.
A woman in her 20s, who was driving the vehicle, was arrested at the scene on Wednesday. A man in his 40s was later arrested as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Gardaí requested assistance from the Irish Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, which examined and secured the suspected explosive device. Authorities have not disclosed the intended target of the alleged attack or the type of explosive recovered.
Police said investigations are continuing in cooperation with security agencies in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Officials reiterated that dissident republican groups continue to pose a threat despite the progress made since the Good Friday Agreement.
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