'IRA bombs' kill eight British soldiers in Iraq

**bigfootedfred** · February 13, 2007, 09:18 AM

anyone remember those 'bombs made by iran' they were showing off?

Terror devices used by the IRA in a vicious murder campaign in Ulster blew up British servicemen as the world blamed Iran

Eight British soldiers killed during ambushes in Iraq were the victims of a highly sophisticated bomb first used by the IRA

The soldiers, who were targeted by insurgents as they travelled through the country, died after being attacked with bombs triggered by infra-red beams. The bombs were developed by the IRA using technology passed on by the security services in a botched "sting" operation more than a decade ago.

This contradicts the British government's claims that Iran's Revolutionary Guard is helping Shia insurgents to make the devices.

the firing devices used to kill the soldiers, as well as two private security guards, were initially created by the UK security services as part of a counter-terrorism strategy at the height of the troubles in the early 1990s.

link

**~~removeduser_426582376423734~~** · February 13, 2007, 09:21 AM

I thought the claim was the Iranians were handing Iraqis anti-tank weaponry, not roadside bombs?

**Erik** · February 13, 2007, 10:05 AM

Originally Posted by Shyam Popat

I thought the claim was the Iranians were handing Iraqis anti-tank weaponry, not roadside bombs?

I think the claim was that Iran provided terrorists with components to make stronger road side bombs, that could take out armored vehicles. (you could call then "anti-tank road side bombs", I guess)

Not that it matters because, coming from the British government, I'm 99.9% certain that those claims about Iranian involvement are all pure lies.

**Demonseed** · February 13, 2007, 10:28 AM

Well, being in the military I can answer this easily...most of the IED's used are unexploded ordnance found throughout Iraq, but Iran could be supplying more as well. Most of the "Anti-Tank" IED's are simply artillery rounds or bombs that are wired to explode in numerous ways (incoming cell phone transmissions, ground pressure/vibration, manual detonation, etc.). Any 1000 lb bomb or 155 mm artillery round can disable a tank or even in some cases score a kill if detonanted at the right time and spot on or near the vehicle.

**Lavastein** · February 13, 2007, 04:31 PM

Originally Posted by Erik

I think the claim was that Iran provided terrorists with components to make stronger road side bombs, that could take out armored vehicles. (you could call then "anti-tank road side bombs", I guess)

Not that it matters because, coming from the British government, I'm 99.9% certain that those claims about Iranian involvement are all pure lies.

you think iran is not providing weapons to iraq? why is this?

**Erik** · February 13, 2007, 04:59 PM

Originally Posted by Lavastein

you think iran is not providing weapons to iraq?

I don't know.
They could be providing weapons, but I've seen no evidence for that.

I'm just saying that I don't think the British government has any real evidence either, even if they claim that they do.
What I'm really saying is: let's see it from a trustworthy source first.

**SickBoy13** · February 13, 2007, 08:12 PM

Make up your mind, British news!

**Sétanta** · February 13, 2007, 08:17 PM

It ain't the BBC, it ain't trustworthy.

**imb39** · February 14, 2007, 05:33 AM

The Independent is quite reputable, I can assure you.

As to Erik's comments. I fully agree. Due to a considerable overplaying of their hand (I am being highly generous) over the infamous 'dossier,' any trust in Britain's assertions have to be taken somewhat cautiously.