Mr Robinson said,
“The SAS operation at Clonoe was absolutely necessary and lawful action against an armed IRA unit that had just carried out an attack on a police station, posing an immediate and ongoing threat to security forces and civilians. This judgement beggars belief.
The IRA members were heavily armed and had returned to a known arms dump, indicating their intent to continue violent activity, making them legitimate military targets under the rules of engagement.
Given the IRA’s history of deadly ambushes and refusal to surrender, the SAS had to act decisively to neutralise the threat.
In the context of the Troubles, where the IRA engaged in sustained armed terror, the SAS response was a proportionate and justified counterterrorism measure aimed at protecting lives.”
Mid Ulster DUP MLA Keith Buchanan said:
“The four IRA men killed by the SAS at Clonoe had just carried out a terrorist attack on Coalisland police station. They had intended to take the lives of RUC officers serving the community.
Faced with an armed terrorist gang seeking to escape on a hijacked lorry with a machine gun welded to it, the SAS were entitled to take whatever action necessary to eliminate the threat.”