Oglaigh na hEireann claim Roe Valley bombs

The bomb in Banagher was left in a laneway off the Carnanbane Road on November 25, while the bomb in Dungiven was left on the doorstep of a house in Ard-Na-Smoll on November 30.

The group calling itself the County Derry Brigade of OnH, using a codeword, issued a statement in which it said the pipe bomb left at Carnanbane Road was “an attempt to kill British security force members who were parked in the lane at that time.”

The group also claimed responsibility for what it called “an explosion” at a house on Farkland Road in the Foreglen area on January 6. The group said its “volunteers ignited a gas cylinder by a remotely detonated incendiary” and warned: “This is not over.”

A house in Foreglen - believed to be unoccupied - targeted by OnH was where police uncovered a haul of drugs in October, 2014.

Police confirmed that a fire at the property in the early hours of January 7 was started deliberately.

Sinn Fein Councillor Sean McGlinchey has appealed to those responsible to engage in talks.

“I think this is a very sad start to the New Year and I’d appeal to those in this organisation to reflect on the men and women who are in jail and where things are going.

“You can oppose Sinn Fein and their policies, but the only way forward is through political means. If that means opposing Sinn Fein at the ballot box, or on the doorstep, then so be it.

“I welcome that type of debate - but this is sad.”

Colr. McGlinchey added: “This is not the way forward.”

The security alerts in Banagher and Dungiven lasted several days, and were condemned by local residents and politicians.

The OnH statement also said: “We would also like to add a stern warning to those who are attempting to infiltrate organisations under the order of the British security forces - you will be found out and you will be executed.”

The group also said it “expressed grave concern” for the handling of an IED device that was left at the Quarry Steps car park in Derry’s Waterside on December 5.

“We have given the exact location to several parties, including the RUC, yet they have failed to act,” said the group, which also warned: “As we enter 2016, we will be escalating our campaign against the British.”

Óglaigh na hÉireann said it had left a bomb in Drumsurn last November, which they said had lay in the area for five weeks previously.