Irish police intercept explosive device near northern border

Irish authorities intercepted what senior law enforcement officials described as "a significant explosive device" inside a vehicle heading toward the Northern Ireland border, police announced on July 24.

Detectives in the Republic of Ireland stopped the vehicle on July 22 and summoned the Irish military's Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit to inspect and secure its contents, Reuters reports.

Police arrested two individuals in connection with the operation. The driver, a woman in her 20s, was formally charged and scheduled to appear before a special sitting of Trim District Court, northwest of Dublin, on July 24. A second suspect, a man in his 40s, remains in custody for questioning.

Officials believe the operation thwarted a potential attack orchestrated by nationalist militants opposed to British rule in Northern Ireland.

"Certainly it was a significant explosive device, not just the seizure of components or pieces. It would have or could have potentially caused significant damage," Irish Police Commissioner Justin Kelly told a news conference.

The interception took place near Carrickmacross in County Monaghan, approximately 10 kilometres from the open border separating the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

By Sabina Mammadli