Political violence during the Troubles

The timelines below chronicle known examples of paramilitary and politically motivated violence during the Troubles. These chronologies are updated as new information becomes available. We welcome information about errors or incidents not listed here. In these timelines the term “civilian” is used for individuals or victims with no known or established political or paramilitary affiliations. Acronyms are used for the following groups:

Republicans
INLA: Irish National Liberation Army
IRA: Irish Republican Army
OIRA: Official Irish Republican Army
ONH: Oglaigh na hEireann
PIRA: Provisional Irish Republican Army

Loyalists
RHC: Red Hand Commando
UDA: Ulster Defence Association
UFF: Ulster Freedom Fighters
UVF: Ulster Volunteer Force

Government and military
RUC: Royal Ulster Constabulary
SAS: Special Air Service
UDR: Ulster Defence Regiment

Timeline of political violence: 1969-1971

Timeline of political violence: 1972-1973

Timeline of political violence: 1974-1975

Timeline of political violence: 1976-1979

Timeline of political violence: 1980-1984

Timeline of political violence: 1985-1989

Timeline of political violence: 1990-1994

Timeline of political violence: 1995-2017