`Real IRA' sources have claimed they did not set out to cause civilian casualties in Omagh. They said it would be "illogical" for them to wish to do so as civilian deaths were not only "morally unacceptable" but had serious repercussions for any republican paramilitary group.
`Real IRA' sources said there was immense "regret" for the 28 deaths. They reject suggestions the casualties were intentional and said the tragedy represented a severe setback for the new dissident organisation. They "understand" public reaction to the bombing and did not expect that many people would listen to or accept their comments in the "current climate".
Although the `Real IRA' 'Army Council' leadership would have approved the policy of commercial bombings, it would not be aware of the details of every attack. The leadership says it has been attempting to establish the precise actions of those involved last Saturday.
It is understood this involves quizzing the "intelligence officer" who selected the target and helped plan the attack, the "officer commanding" the unit responsible who was in overall control, and those who planted the bomb and telephoned the warnings.
It is understood the maroon Vauxhall Cavalier used in the bombing was moved outside Carrickmacross immediately after it was stolen.
In its initial attacks, the `Real IRA' often used BMWs because they tended to easily pass through checkpoints. This preference was soon spotted by Garda and `Real IRA' switched to Cavaliers. The Vauxhalls are popular among joyriders so their theft does not arouse undue suspicion.
Tyrone was chosen because it was regarded as a "second stepping-stone" from the north Louth area after south Armagh. It has a strong republican tradition and although some Provisional IRA members have defected to `Real IRA' from the area, most had remained with the organisation.
By carrying out an attack in Tyrone, the `Real IRA' was aiming to make the Provisional IRA look impotent and to win over the "fence-sitters". Omagh appears to have been chosen because the `Real IRA' wanted to extend its operational base. Previous bombs had been aimed at towns in the eastern part of Northern Ireland, including Portadown, Moira, Banbridge, Markethill and Newtownhamilton. The organisation did not want to appear to be capable of operating only within a small area outside the south Armaghnorth Louth border.
It is understood the bomb was deliberately placed outside a shop owned by Roy Kells, a leading Orangeman, about 300 yards from the courthouse. An RUC spokesman said eyewitnesses had reported seeing two men drive the Cavalier into Market Street about 2.30 p.m., park and walk away.
The bombers primed the device before they left the car. The `Real IRA' has said that three warnings were given, all stating the bomb was 300 to 400 yards from the courthouse.
It is understood the caller giving one warning had a strong country accent, and the person who took the call found it difficult to understand. The precise location of the car was not given in the warnings.
`Real IRA' sources say they cannot understand why the RUC evacuated the area around the Courthouse but not Market Street, as it was only 400 yards from the Courthouse and a bomb at the Courthouse could easily have injured people at that distance.