Irish police intercepted a car bomb near Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, on Wednesday during an intelligence-led operation by a Garda unit targeting dissident republican activity near the Northern Ireland border.

Irish police intercepted a car bomb near Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, on Wednesday during an intelligence-led operation by a Garda unit targeting dissident republican activity near the Northern Ireland border.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly described the car as "an extremely significant seizure," adding it was a fully constructed explosive — not merely components — that "could have potentially caused significant damage."

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly described the car as "an extremely significant seizure," adding it was a fully constructed explosive — not merely components — that "could have potentially caused significant damage."

The bomb is believed to be the largest seized in the Republic of Ireland in at least a decade. Garda sources described it as "highly sophisticated" and "advanced," containing military-grade explosives, a power unit and a detonator.

The bomb is believed to be the largest seized in the Republic of Ireland in at least a decade. Garda sources described it as "highly sophisticated" and "advanced," containing military-grade explosives, a power unit and a detonator.

Two people were arrested in connection with the interception: a woman in her 20s, described as a trainee solicitor, detained at the scene, and a man in his 40s arrested later in Dublin under the Offences Against the State Act.

Two people were arrested in connection with the interception: a woman in her 20s, described as a trainee solicitor, detained at the scene, and a man in his 40s arrested later in Dublin under the Offences Against the State Act.

Irish personnel examined the vehicle after gardaí sought assistance. The device was subsequently defused and removed for forensic examination, with the outcome of the initial vehicle check withheld for operational reasons.

Irish personnel examined the vehicle after gardaí sought assistance. The device was subsequently defused and removed for forensic examination, with the outcome of the initial vehicle check withheld for operational reasons.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland welcomed the seizure by the garda and said both forces share "a joint commitment to address the threat posed by violent dissident republican groups."

The Police Service of Northern Ireland welcomed the seizure by the garda and said both forces share "a joint commitment to address the threat posed by violent dissident republican groups."

Car Bomb Intercepted on Irish Border

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Car Bomb Intercepted on Irish Border

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