Paramilitaries
Anti-terrorist laws in both Ireland and the UK proscribe (ban) membership of a number of republican and loyalist groups organised in Northern Ireland. Several other smaller paramilitary factions have appeared throughout the Troubles as well as cover-names used to deflect responsibility for attacks.
Note: In this context, operational refers to the period during which the 'official' paramilitary campaign was conducted.
Read more about this topic: Directory Of The Northern Ireland Troubles