ËœDissident republicans still posing threat to N. Ireland securityâ„¢
Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers warns against the severe threat dissident republican groups pose to the country for years to come, local media reported.
Villiers issued a sobering forecast about the continued ability of splinter groups to stage terror attacks, despite recent security successes, The Independent reported.
Describing loyalistsâ„¢ protests about flags in recent months as Å“hugely worrying”, the Secretary of State said that she was also concerned about the looming Orange march season.
Å“The threat is severe and is likely to continue to be so in the years to come. Iâ„¢m afraid to say there isnâ„¢t an imminent prospect of these terrorist attacks coming to an end”, said Villiers.
Å“It is a tragedy that still police and prison officers and members of the military are at constant risk because of the targeting activities of dissident republicans”, she added.
Northern Ireland has been witnessing a surge in attacks on security services in recent months.
Dissident republican splinter group Oglaigh na hEireann claimed responsibility for an attempted pipe bombing of two police officers last week. In November 2012, prison officer David Black was ambushed and shot dead.
Villiers, the Treasury, MI5 and PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott are discussing providing more resources to deal with both the terrorist threat and outbreaks of Loyalist rioting.
More immediately, 3,600 extra police from Britain will be in place for this monthâ„¢s G8 summit, which will bring world leaders to the province.
MOL/HE
This article originally appeared on: Press TV