Irish National Liberation Army facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Irish National Liberation Army |
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| Arm Saoirse Náisiúnta na hÉireann Participant in The Troubles |
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An INLA logo consisting of the Starry Plough and the Flag of Ireland with a red star and a fist holding an AK-47-derivative rifle.
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| Active | December 1974 – 2009 (on ceasefire since 1998, formally ended armed campaign in 2009) |
| Ideology |
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| Political position | Far-left |
| Leaders |
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| Area of operations | Continental Europe |
| Allies |  Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO)Action directe |
| Opponents |  United Kingdom
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The Irish National Liberation Army (INLA, Irish: Arm Saoirse Náisiúnta na hÉireann) was an Irish republican socialist group. It was formed on 8 December 1974. This was during a 30-year conflict called "the Troubles". The INLA wanted to remove Northern Ireland from the United Kingdom. They also aimed to create a socialist republic that included all of Ireland.
At its largest, the group had about 80 to 100 members. It was the military part of the Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP). The INLA was started by former members of the Official Irish Republican Army. These members disagreed with that group's ceasefire. The INLA was first known as the People's Liberation Army.
The INLA carried out attacks against the British Army and the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) in Northern Ireland. They were also active in the Republic of Ireland, Great Britain, and parts of Europe. The INLA was smaller and less active than the main republican group, the Provisional IRA. Internal disagreements and conflicts also weakened the INLA. Sometimes, members used other names for their attacks, like People's Republican Army or Catholic Reaction Force. This was done when the INLA did not want to take responsibility. The INLA became a banned group in the United Kingdom on 3 July 1979.
After 24 years of armed actions, the INLA announced a ceasefire on 22 August 1998. In August 1999, they said there was "no political or moral argument to justify a resumption of the campaign". This meant they would not go back to fighting. In October 2009, the INLA officially promised to work for its goals through peaceful political ways. They also began giving up their weapons.
The IRSP, which is linked to the INLA, supports a "No First Strike" policy. This means they want people to see if the peace process works without new military actions. The INLA is still a banned group in the United Kingdom under the Terrorism Act 2000. It is also an illegal group in the Republic of Ireland.
Images for kids
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The Starry Plough is often used to represent the IRSP and INLA
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Divis Flats, Belfast
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Maze prison near Belfast, where prisoners protested
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A commemoration on the 25th anniversary of the hunger strike
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The radar station at Mount Gabriel was bombed by the INLA in September 1982
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INLA volunteers carrying flags in the Bogside area of Derry (2005)
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An INLA memorial in Milltown Cemetery, Belfast
