Johnny Adair: Leader of the West Belfast-based C Company, Adair was thrown out of the UDA because of his links with the rival Loyalist Volunteer Force.
His fellow commanders accused him of siding with the LVF in his effort to take over the UDA. He was rearrested last month after Northern Secretary Mr Paul Murphy revoked his licence because of his involvement in terrorism, racketeering and drug dealing. Originally jailed in 1994 after becoming the first person to be found guilty of directing terrorism.
John White: A close associate of Adair, White was among those who had to flee from the Lower Shankill after UDA members invaded the area on Wednesday night. Former chairman of the UDA-linked Ulster Democratic Party, White served a lengthy jail term for the stabbing of SDLP senator Paddy Wilson in June 1973. White was thrown out of the UDA along with Adair in September.
Jackie Thompson: Until Wednesday night's events on the lower Shankill, Thompson had stepped into Adair's place as head of the West Belfast brigade.
Thompson became close friends with Adair after spending time in the Maze Prison with him. Believed to have fled to Scotland.
John Gregg: The south-east Antrim brigadier, murdered by members of C Company on Saturday. Gregg (45) headed one of the most ruthless units in the UDA, responsible for a string of sectarian murders. Regarded as a hero after being jailed for shooting Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams.
Jackie McDonald: The South Belfast brigadier, McDonald is an implacable enemy of Adair, who accused him of going soft in the war against republicans. Jailed for extortion in the 1980s. Regarded as the most pro-agreement UDA leader.
Andre Shoukri: Nicknamed "the Egyptian", North Belfast brigadier Shoukri was once a close associate of Adair. The two fell out late last year and Adair began to refer to him as "the Paki". Known for his taste for expensive suits, Shoukri, at 25, is the youngest of the UDA leadership. Currently on bail after being found with a handgun, his home was pipebombed after Gregg's murder.
Jim Gray: With his dyed blond hair and flamboyant taste in clothes and jewellery, the East Belfast brigadier is known in loyalist circles as "Doris Day". He blamed Adair after being shot in the face by rival loyalists in retaliation for the murder of LVF boss Stephen Warnock.
Billy McFarlane: The North Antrim and Derry brigadier, McFarlane led the UDA unit most opposed to the Good Friday Agreement. Nicknamed "the Mexican" because of his distinctive black moustache.
William "Mo" Courtney: A former trusted lieutenant of Adair, Courtney fell out with C Company last week in a row over a weapons deal with the Continuity IRA. Claimed Adair was trying to kill him.
... -(PA)