‘Extremely significant’ bomb in car intercepted on way to NI, Irish police say

BBC:

A car containing an “extremely significant” bomb has been intercepted in the Republic of Ireland as it was being driven across the border for an attack in Northern Ireland, gardaí (Irish police) have said.

The vehicle was stopped during an operation targeting dissident republican activities on Wednesday, but further details are just emerging. Two people were arrested.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly confirmed on Friday that officers found an explosive device.

Police sources in Northern Ireland believe the New IRA was likely behind the intended attack.

The vehicle was stopped on the N2 near Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, at about 15:00 on Wednesday.

A woman in her 20s, who was the driver of the vehicle, was arrested on Wednesday afternoon and a man in his 40s has since been arrested.

Irish broadcaster RTÉ has reported that gardaí sources said the bomb contained a power unit, a detonator and military grade explosives.