PIRA (Provisional Irish Republican Army)

The Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) was an armed group that emerged in Northern Ireland in the late 1960s, driven by a goal to end British rule and unify Ireland. It was formed as a split from the original Irish Republican Army, responding to perceived inadequacies in addressing Irish nationalism and civil rights. The PIRA was involved in violent conflict, known as "The Troubles," which lasted for several decades, leading to significant loss of life. The group declared a ceasefire in the 1990s, contributing to the peace process that resulted in the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.