By Karim Hammam
Police in Northern Ireland have uncovered a cache of 17 improvised explosive devices in Belfast, describing the find as linked to extreme right-wing terrorism. The weapons were discovered during searches in the Shankill Road area on 30 and 31 October.
Largest far-right weapons seizure in Northern Ireland
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said the stash, which also included two detonators and five stun guns, represents the largest haul of weaponry linked to the far right ever seized in the region. The investigation is ongoing.
Suspect charged in court
Wesley Thomas Fletcher, 35, of Leopold Street, appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with two counts of possession of explosives under suspicious circumstances and one count of possession of a prohibited weapon, a Taser. He was remanded in custody with a further hearing scheduled for 30 November.
Context of rising far-right activity
The discovery comes amid growing concern over race-hate incidents and attacks on immigrants in Northern Ireland. Loyalist bonfires have featured effigies of mosques and migrants, while self-styled vigilante patrols have targeted dark-skinned men. Individuals linked to paramilitary groups such as the Ulster Defence Association and Ulster Volunteer Force are believed to be involved in many incidents.
Warnings from officials
Claire Hanna, leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party, recently described Northern Ireland as "becoming a Disneyland for the far right." Amnesty International's Patrick Corrigan called the explosives find shocking but unsurprising, citing years of escalating racist violence. MI5 warned last month that right-wing extremists are "tipping into terrorist intent," including planning attacks on migrants and Muslims.
