The use of lethal force by SAS soldiers in an ambush which killed three IRA men in Co Tyrone in 1991 was justified, a coroner has ruled.
Delivering his provisional findings in the Coagh inquest, coroner Mr Justice Michael Humphreys said he was satisfied the use of force was"reasonable and proportionate" as the soldiers had an honest belief that it was necessary in order to prevent loss of life.
The three men were intercepted as they drove in a stolen car through Coagh by SAS soldiers who suspected they intended to murder a member of the security forces.The inquest was told that up to 150 rounds were fired. He added:"In each case, the use of lethal force was justified as the soldiers had an honest belief that it was necessary in order to prevent loss of life."The operation was not planned and controlled in such a way as to minimise to the greatest extent possible the need for recourse to lethal force."
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Obituary: Rose Dugdale, the London debutante who became an art thief and IRA bomberAn unrepentant idealogue, she said the happiest day of her life was when she took part in an attack on Strabane RUC barracks
Read more »
IRA bomber Rose Dugdale was 'a rebel in search of a cause’IRA bomber Rose Dugdale has been remembered as a “rebel in search of a cause” following her death on Monday, aged 83.
Read more »
IRA killer Pearse McAuley found dead at Co Tyrone homeMcAuley was sentenced in 1999 to 14 years in jail for manslaughter of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe
Read more »
Rose Dugdale, English heiress who joined Provisional IRA, diesSinn Féin politicians pay tribute to ‘true revolutionary’ who was involved in Russborough House art heist
Read more »
Widow of IRA ‘informer’ launches legal action over decision not to prosecute anyone with his killingMurder of Anthony Braniff (22), who was shot dead by IRA in September 1981, investigated as part of Operation Kenova
Read more »
Government to ban republican terrorist groups using Irish translation of IRADefence Minister Micheal Martin confirmed a new Defence (Amendment) Bill 2023 has been drafted to make it illegal for anyone other than the Irish Defence Forces to use the name
Read more »