1997 Coalisland attack

1997 Coalisland attack
Part of the Troubles and Operation Banner

Coalisland approaching from the east, with the former RUC base's radio masts in the background
Date26 March 1997
Location54°32′23.20″N 6°42′07.28″W / 54.5397778°N 6.7020222°W / 54.5397778; -6.7020222
Result British Army/RUC base damaged
Gareth Doris wounded and arrested
Belligerents
Provisional IRA
Coalisland residents

 United Kingdom

Strength
2 IRA members[1] 12 SAS soldiers
Casualties and losses
1 suspect wounded None
2 civilians wounded by the RUC
1997 Coalisland attack is located in Northern Ireland
1997 Coalisland attack
Location within Northern Ireland

On the evening of 26 March 1997, the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) East Tyrone Brigade launched an improvised grenade attack on the fortified Royal Ulster Constabulary/British Army base in Coalisland, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. The blast sparked an immediate reaction by an undercover Special Air Service unit, who shot and wounded Gareth Doris, an Irish republican and alleged IRA volunteer. The SAS unit was then surrounded by a crowd of protesters who prevented them approaching Doris or leaving. RUC officers arrived and fired plastic bullets at the crowd, allowing the special forces to leave the area.[2]

  1. ^ Cousin of bomb suspect was top provo; But gun victim denies being a terrorist by Conor Hanna. Daily Mirror, 28 March 1997
  2. ^ "How Elite Squad Pounced" by Conor Hanna. Daily Mirror, 28 March 1997