Strabane ambush facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Strabane ambush
Part of the Troubles and Operation Banner
Near the ambush site
Date 23 February 1985 Location Strabane, County Tyrone Northern Ireland 54°49′48″N 7°28′12″W / 54.83000°N 7.47000°W / 54.83000; -7.47000 Result British victory
Belligerents
Provisional IRA IRA West Tyrone Brigade	United Kingdom British Army (SAS)
Commanders and leaders
Charles Breslin
Strength
3 IRA Volunteers	8
Casualties and losses
3 killed	None

The Strabane Ambush was a secret operation by the British Special Air Service (SAS) against a small group from the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA). This event happened on February 23, 1985, near Strabane, Northern Ireland. All three members of the IRA group were killed during the ambush. At the time, it was the most successful SAS operation against the IRA. Two years later, in 1987, the Loughgall ambush saw eight IRA members killed.

What Led to the Ambush?

Strabane was a very active area for the IRA during a period known as The Troubles. This was a time of conflict in Northern Ireland. Groups like the IRA often carried out attacks against the British security forces and police. Between 1971 and 1991, there were many attacks in Strabane. British Army and RUC (police) bases were often targeted. Strabane was known for having many bombings for its size.

A few weeks before this ambush, in December 1984, the SAS had already carried out two similar operations. These operations killed four IRA members in total.

The Ambush Happens

On February 23, 1985, three IRA members were moving weapons near Plumbridge Road in Strabane. They were suddenly attacked by a British Army SAS unit. All three IRA members were killed right away.

People who lived nearby said they heard many gunshots. They also said that the SAS did not give a warning to the men before firing. The IRA members killed were their leader, Charles Breslin (who was 21), Michael Devine (22), and his younger brother David Devine (16). David Devine was one of the youngest IRA members killed during the conflict.

What Happened Next?

The Strabane ambush was one of the first of several important operations by the SAS. These operations happened between 1985 and 1992. They often targeted IRA groups, especially near the borders of Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Armagh.

Other similar events followed. For example, in 1987, eight IRA members were killed in the Loughgall ambush. In 1988, three more IRA members died during Operation Flavius in Gibraltar. Later that year, three more were killed in the Ambush at Drumnakilly. In 1991, three were killed in the Coagh ambush. Finally, in February 1992, four IRA members died in the Clonoe ambush.

See also

• Ambush at Drumnakilly
• Loughgall ambush
• Coagh ambush
• Clonoe ambush
• The Troubles in Strabane