Irish police stopped a car carrying what officials described as a fully assembled bomb as it was being driven toward Northern Ireland on Wednesday. Details of the seizure became public Friday.
The vehicle was stopped on the N2 near Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, around 3 p.m. local time. A woman in her 20s, who was driving the car, was arrested Wednesday afternoon. A man in his 40s was arrested later.
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly confirmed Friday that officers found an explosive device during an intelligence-led operation targeting dissident republican activity. He called it an "extremely significant seizure."
Irish broadcaster RTÉ reported that police sources said the bomb contained a power unit, a detonator, and military-grade explosives, and that it was expected to be used as an under-car bomb in an attack in Northern Ireland.
Kelly was clear about what was found. "This was an explosive device and it would have or could have potentially caused significant damage," he said. "This is an intelligence-led operation, so we certainly do have information in relation to the individuals involved."
He also addressed the broader threat from dissident republicans who rejected the Good Friday Agreement. "There's a small minority of these individuals, I would describe them as radicalised republicans, and this is a threat that we're going to continue to face for some time," Kelly said.
Ireland's Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan called the seizure "very worrying" and said it showed that "there is an ongoing threat in respect of dissident republican activity." He said it was "obvious" that "a very serious criminal act" would have occurred if police had not intercepted the suspects.
Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant thanked Irish police for their response. "Intercepting a dangerous device like this undoubtedly saved lives and kept communities safe on both sides of the border," he said. "Strong cross-border security cooperation remains as vital as ever."
