Defence Archives

Soldier Spared Jail After Violent Assault on Woman; Defence Forces Launch Disciplinary Review

LIMERICK, Ireland — Natasha O’Brien was left unconscious after a brutal assault by a serving member of the Defence Forces, who subsequently avoided jail time, sparking a wave of scrutiny regarding military personnel’s behavior in civilian life. Cathal Crotty, 22, received a three-year suspended sentence from the Limerick Circuit Criminal Court and was ordered to pay €3,000 in compensation. This controversial decision comes amid deeper questions about the conduct of military personnel following the “Women …

Explosions rock Donetsk as Russian air defence deployed before blasts: Residents report

DONETSK, Ukraine – On May 11, explosions rocked the city of occupied Donetsk, as residents reported hearing the sounds of Russian air defense systems moments before the blasts echoed through the area. The Russian government, consistent with their stance, immediately pointed fingers at Ukraine, alleging a missile strike from the HIMARS system in the Leninskyi district of Donetsk. The attack coincided with preparations for an upcoming automobile rally to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the …

Explosion reported in Odesa as air defence responds to Shahed attack in Kyiv Oblast

Kyiv, Ukraine – Air defense forces were activated overnight on 22-23 April in response to a reported Shahed attack in Kyiv Oblast, while an explosion was heard in Odesa, adding to the escalating tensions in the region. The City State Administration in Kyiv confirmed sightings of Russian UAVs in the Oblast, prompting a swift response from air defense units in the area. The situation remains volatile as clashes continue to unfold in various parts of …

Ministry of Defence pressed on knowledge of British army video in Co Derry shooting case

LONDON, UK – The Ministry of Defence (MoD) faces scrutiny in clarifying its knowledge of a British army video possibly depicting the fatal shooting of Co Derry man, Francis Bradley, by the SAS. The video’s existence came to light during an inquest into the suspected shoot-to-kill operation that led to Bradley’s death near Toome in February 1986. Aged 20 at the time, Bradley was shot near an arms dump, later honored by the IRA. Coroner …

Explosions at Russian Oil Refineries Disrupt Fuel Supply to Occupying Forces in Ukraine, says Ukraine Defence Intelligence

Kiev, Ukraine – The ongoing explosions at Russian oil refineries have been causing disruptions in the supply of fuel to Russian forces in the conflict zone in Ukraine. According to Andrii Yusov, spokesperson for Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), these incidents are strategically impacting the ability of occupying forces to access essential fuels and lubricants. Yusov did not explicitly confirm or deny whether the strikes on Russian oil refineries were carried out by DIU, but …