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Today in History: SAS ambush kills eight IRA members, civilian

5/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 8 May 1987, an eight-man IRA unit drove a bomb-laden digger into the RUC base at Loughgall, County Armagh; as the explosion shattered the compound, a pre-planned SAS ambush opened fire, killing all eight volunteers and a civilian bystander. The soldiers responded from the building and concealed positions, ensuring no IRA survivor.

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Story summary

On 8 May 1987, an eight-man IRA unit drove a bomb-laden digger into the RUC base at Loughgall, County Armagh; as the explosion shattered the compound, a pre-planned SAS ambush opened fire, killing all eight volunteers and a civilian bystander. The soldiers responded from the building and concealed positions, ensuring no IRA survivor.