ONH threatens pair over loss of its guns
DEATH threats made against two men by Oglaigh na hEireann (ONH) have been linked to the loss of weapons from the dissident republican organisation.
Police are investigating the threats against the pair. ONH had accused the men of taking two firearms and passing them to another dissident grouping. The guns are believed to have formerly come from an INLA arsenal.
One of the weapons, a loaded rifle, was picked up by a child playing in the Ardoyne area of north Belfast in July. It was taken to a priest to be handed over to police.
It is believed that ONH had planned to use the rifle to shoot at police officers as Orangemen marched past Ardoyne shop fronts.
Following widespread public disorder linked to the controversial parade, dissident republicans fired shots at police lines on July 13.
Earlier this month the INLA renounced violence, saying it would pursue an “exclusively peaceful political struggle”.
A spokesman for the INLA-aligned IRSP last night said he was aware of the incident but denied that the men were under any threat from the INLA.
“We were approached by another organisation after these two individuals claimed that they were in some way members or under the protection of the INLA,” he said.
“We informed them that they are not and never have been members and will not be awarded any protection from the INLA.
“I would also add that they are also not under any threat from the INLA.
“In fact they are of no concern of ours whatsoever.”
The two men contacted police on Wednesday and said they were under immediate threat of death from both the INLA and ONH. They have since fled Northern Ireland.
A police spokeswoman said: “We do not discuss the security of individuals. However, if we receive information that a person’s life may be at risk we will inform them accordingly.”
