An "extremely significant" car bomb was intercepted near the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland on Wednesday afternoon, authorities announced. The vehicle, stopped during an intelligence-led operation, was carrying a sophisticated explosive device believed to contain military-grade explosives.
Gardaí, Ireland's national police force, apprehended a woman in her 20s, identified as a trainee solicitor, driving the vehicle. She was taken into custody. Subsequently, a man in his 40s was arrested in the Dublin area in connection with the incident.
The operation was carried out by members of the Garda's Special Detective Unit on the N2 road south of Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, which is approximately six miles from the Northern Ireland border. The Irish Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was called to the scene to examine the vehicle and its contents.
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly described the seizure as "extremely significant," indicating it was a "highly sophisticated" and "advanced" explosive device. Speaking at a Garda graduation event in County Tipperary, Kelly noted that the threat persists from a "small minority of dissident republicans" who have not decommissioned weapons and explosives, and who do not agree with the Good Friday Agreement.
He added that radicalized republicans continue to pose a threat, requiring ongoing efforts from An Garda Síochána. Kelly also highlighted close cooperation with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and UK intelligence services in addressing this threat. The successful interception was attributed to the diligence of the involved Garda members.
Militant groups have continued sporadic attacks, including attempted car bombings, in Northern Ireland nearly three decades after a peace deal largely ended sectarian violence.