Northern Ireland police say they have received “strong intelligence” that armed republicans are planning to carry out acts of terror against police officers over the weekend. They also warn that violence may break out in the city of Derry.
The British intelligence service MI5 recently raised the level of terror in Northern Ireland to the level of “severe”, which means that a terrorist attack is considered “highly likely”.
The warning comes just days ahead of US President Joe Biden’s visit to Belfast, which is taking place to mark Monday’s 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. On Monday, smaller groups of republican defectors – those who still advocate an armed struggle in the Northern Ireland conflict – will demonstrate in Derry on this occasion.