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Today in History: British Army imposes Falls Curfew, fuels resistance

7/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 3 July 1970 the British Army launched the Falls Curfew in Belfast’s nationalist Falls district, sealing off 3,000 homes for 34 hours. A weapons search sparked stone and petrol-bomb attacks, leading to gun battles with the IRA, extensive CS-gas use, and widespread civilian complaints, intensifying Irish republican resistance.

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Story summary

On 3 July 1970 the British Army launched the Falls Curfew in Belfast’s nationalist Falls district, sealing off 3,000 homes for 34 hours. A weapons search sparked stone and petrol-bomb attacks, leading to gun battles with the IRA, extensive CS-gas use, and widespread civilian complaints, intensifying Irish republican resistance.