Key statistics

2006
First Recorded Activity

First Attack

Profile Last Updated

How to Cite

Crenshaw, M., & Robinson, K. (2025). Mapping Militants Project. Rice University. https://doi.org/10.25613/G0K4-WF70
Mapping Militants Project. “Republican Defense Army.” Last modified . https://mappingmilitants.org/node/505/

Profile Contents

Narrative

Narrative of the Organization's History

Organization

Leadership, Name Changes, Size Estimates, Resources, Geographic Locations

Strategy

Ideology, Aims, Political Activities, Targets, and Tactics

Interactions

Foreign Designations and Listings, Community Relations, Relations with Other Groups, State Sponsors and External Influences

Maps

Mapping relationships with other militant groups over time in regional maps

Main Tabs Group

Overview
Formed: 
January 1, 2006
Disbanded: 
January 1, 2011

The Republican Defense Army (RDA) emerged as a splinter group from the Provisional IRA in 2006. The reason for this split is unclear, though probably related to PIRA’s commitment to disarmament and a non-violent ceasefire. While operational, the group engaged in several minor attacks, punishment shootings, and violent threats. The group claimed its violence was directed against anti-social behavior, criminality, and drug pushing. The 2006 Independent Monitoring Commission Reported stated that the commission did not believe RDA posed any significant threat and did not contain a large appeal in Northern Ireland. By 2011, the group was considered to be disbanded.

Organization

Vertical Tabs

Strategy

Vertical Tabs

Interactions

Vertical Tabs