Republican Defense Army

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.