RUC questions two after rifles, grenade seized

TWO men, one from the nationalist Markets area of Belfast, are being questioned by the RUC after police intercepted what is believed…

TWO men, one from the nationalist Markets area of Belfast, are being questioned by the RUC after police intercepted what is believed to be an IRA attack in Belfast.

The RUC said the two were arrested in Conway Lane, Dunmurry, late on Wednesday night and an improvised rocket grenade and two AK-47 rifles seized. It is believed the weapons were to be used to attack a security forces vehicle.

The RUC has intercepted a series of IRA attacks in Belfast since the start of the year when it stopped an attempt to kill RUC officers with a landmine at Belfast Castle. Several attacks with the "PRIG" (propelled rocket improvised grenade) have been thwarted by police, apparently, acting on information.

The two men being questioned can be held for another six days before appearing in court.

Security sources say the IRA leadership is placing pressure on its Belfast membership to mount attacks. This has led to a series of bombing and rocket attacks.

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