Ulster Defense Association (UDA)

The Ulster Defense Association (UDA) is a controversial paramilitary organization primarily associated with Protestant and Unionist communities in Northern Ireland. Founded in 1971, its stated aim was to defend the Protestant community during the Troubles, a period of conflict from the late 1960s to the late 1990s. The UDA has been involved in various acts of violence and paramilitary activities, which led to its designation as a terrorist organization by many governments. While it claims to support the Unionist cause—keeping Northern Ireland part of the UK—its methods and history have deeply influenced political and sectarian tensions in the region.