Irish police intercept car bomb near Northern Ireland border

Key facts

• Irish police intercepted a car bomb near the Northern Ireland border.
• Two individuals, a man and a woman in their 40s, were arrested.
• The device was described as 'highly sophisticated' and 'extremely significant'.
• The bomb was believed to be intended for an attack in Northern Ireland by dissident republicans.
• The Irish Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal team made the device safe.

Irish police have arrested a man and a woman after intercepting a 'highly sophisticated' and 'extremely significant' car bomb near the Northern Ireland border. The device, described as ready for use and potentially linked to dissident republican groups, was discovered during a planned operation in County Monaghan. The Irish Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal team made the bomb safe. Authorities believe the device was intended for an attack in Northern Ireland, potentially by militants opposed to the Good Friday Agreement. Security officials have warned that dissident republican groups, though small, continue to pose a threat through sporadic attacks.