IRA Mortar Attack on 10 Downing Street - February 18, 1991

On February 18, 1991, the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) executed a daring mortar attack on 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the British Prime Minister, in London. This attack was part of the IRA’s ongoing campaign against British rule in Northern Ireland.

Context

The attack occurred during a period of intense conflict known as “The Troubles,” which spanned from the late 1960s to 1998. This period was marked by violent clashes between those who wanted Northern Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom (primarily Unionists and Loyalists, who were mostly Protestant) and those who sought its unification with the Republic of Ireland (primarily Nationalists and Republicans, who were mostly Catholic). The IRA, a paramilitary organization, was one of the most prominent groups fighting for Irish unification.

The Attack

• Date and Time: The attack took place on the morning of February 18, 1991.
• Target: The primary target was British Prime Minister John Major and his cabinet, who were in a meeting discussing the Gulf War.
• Method: The IRA used a van parked on Whitehall, a street near Downing Street, to launch three homemade mortar shells. The mortars were fired over the security gates of Downing Street.
• Impact: One of the mortars exploded in the garden of 10 Downing Street, approximately 50 feet from the building. The explosion caused significant damage to nearby structures, but the reinforced windows of the Cabinet Room protected those inside from injury.

Aftermath and Consequences

• Immediate Response: The attack prompted a swift response from security forces, and a manhunt was launched to capture those responsible. The area was cordoned off, and security measures around key government buildings were heightened.
• Political Impact: The attack underscored the IRA’s capability to strike at the heart of the British government, highlighting the ongoing security challenges posed by the conflict in Northern Ireland. It also served to harden the resolve of the British government against negotiating with the IRA under duress.
• Long-term Effects: The attack was part of a series of high-profile IRA operations that maintained pressure on the British government. However, it also contributed to the eventual realization by both sides that a military solution was unlikely, paving the way for political negotiations that would culminate in the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

Broader Historical Significance

The mortar attack on 10 Downing Street was a stark reminder of the reach and determination of the IRA during The Troubles. It highlighted the complexities of the Northern Ireland conflict and the challenges faced by the British government in addressing the demands of various factions. The event is often cited as a catalyst that pushed both sides towards seeking a peaceful resolution, eventually leading to the peace process that significantly reduced violence in the region.