The Red Hand Commandos (originally known simply as the "Red Hand Commando") are a Northern Ireland loyalist paramilitary group with links to the Ulster Volunteer Force. They seek to prevent a political settlement with Irish nationalists by attacking Catholic civilian interests in Northern Ireland.

Activities

The group has carried out numerous pipe bombings and arson attacks against "soft" civilian targets such as homes, churches and private businesses in what are interpretted as attempts to provoke retaliation from the Provisional IRA . The group has claimed responsibility for the car bomb murder on 15 March, 1999 of Rosemary Nelson , a prominent Catholic lawyer and human rights campaigner in Northern Ireland.

Strength

The government of the United States believes that the Red Hand Commandos have up to 20 members, some of whom have considerable experience in guerrilla tactics such as bomb-making.