The IRA's War on London
IMPERIAL・21 minutes read
The Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) orchestrated bombings in London, including the attack on the Baltic Exchange, to provoke political change and question the UK's presence in Northern Ireland, resulting in extensive damages and societal repercussions. The bombings led to financial strain on the UK government, insurers no longer offering terrorism coverage, and considerations for potential unification with Ireland, highlighting the impact of the PIRA's campaigns.
Insights
- The Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) conducted a bombing at the Baltic Exchange in London, causing extensive damage, costing £350 million, and resulting in three fatalities and 91 injuries.
- The IRA's attacks in London were part of a broader campaign to provoke political change by targeting British military units, political figures, and economic infrastructure, aiming to raise the cost of the UK's presence in Northern Ireland and ultimately leading to considerations of unification with Ireland.
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What group was responsible for the bombing at the Baltic Exchange in London?
The Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) was responsible for the bombing at the Baltic Exchange in London.
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Summary
00:00
IRA Bombing in London: A Historical Tragedy
- London, England, April 10, 1992, 9:25 p.m.: A white Ford Transit van is parked in front of the Baltic Exchange in the Financial District.
- A warning call is made, indicating a bomb threat targeting the Stock Exchange Tower, leading to an explosion at the Baltic Exchange.
- The blast causes extensive damage, killing three individuals and injuring 91, with damages totaling around 350 million pounds.
- The Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) is responsible for the bombing, having prepared the bomb in South Armagh, Northern Ireland.
- The IRA's historical roots lie in the conflict between Irish Republicans seeking a united Ireland and British forces aiming to maintain control.
- Northern Ireland's history is marked by British colonization efforts, leading to a Protestant majority and a Catholic minority.
- Protestants in Northern Ireland aligned with Britain to maintain their socio-political and economic dominance, forming a union in 1801.
- The Troubles in Northern Ireland escalated due to tensions between Catholics and Protestants, leading to violence and discrimination.
- The IRA's attacks in London aimed to provoke political change by targeting British military units, political figures, and economic infrastructure.
- The IRA's bombings in London, including car bombings and mortar attacks, sought to instill fear and question the UK's presence in Northern Ireland.
18:01
PIRA London bombings prompt UK unification consideration.
- Operatives parked a van near Downing Street and fired three mortar shells, narrowly missing their target and injuring four people.
- The mortar shells at Heathrow were duds, meant to signal the capability of hitting prestigious targets if compromise with the PIRA slowed.
- London attacks aimed to raise the cost of remaining in Northern Ireland, with the Baltic Exchange bombing costing £350 million in damages.
- The UK government faced financial strain due to attacks, leading to insurers no longer offering terrorism coverage, passing costs to taxpayers.
- The London bombings prompted the UK government to consider unification with Ireland, showing the impact of the PIRA's campaigns.
- The PIRA's London terror campaign resulted in £1.2 billion in damages, societal consequences, and heightened security measures like the "Ring of Steel."
