Dissident vigilantes

Members of republican vigilante group Republican Action Against Drugs (RAAD) detonated an explosive device targeting a Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) vehicle in the Creggan area of the city of Londonderry - known locally as Derry - on 2 June, damaging the vehicle but causing no casualties.

Since its formation in late 2008, RAAD has claimed responsibility for a long series of paramilitary-style punishment shootings and beatings - along with the periodic use of incendiary devices and pipe bombs - targeting those in republican areas of Derry which it accuses of engaging in anti-social activities, such as dealing drugs. However, the 2 June attack was the first time RAAD had targeted members of the security forces in Northern Ireland, and followed the first murder by the group in February. It is not immediately apparent what may have provoked this escalation of RAAD's armed campaign.