Gardai at one of the checkpoints set up along the border this evening. Pic by Northwest Newspix.
Gardai have launched a major security operation along the border with neighbouring Co Tyrone.
The operation is to coincide with the funeral on Thursday of dissident republican Michael Barr whose funeral will take place in Strabane.
Gardai and members of the Armed Support Unit were out in force in the Donegal border villages of Castlefin, Lifford and surrounding areas tonight.
Gardai set up checkpoints and asked motorists for identification.
Sources have revealed the operation is designed at gathering intelligence on the movements of known republicans in the area.
Members of the Armed Support Unit were set up at Lifford Bridge and also traveled to Clady Bridge and Drumbane between Castlefin and Clady.
Members of the Garda Armed Response Unit at LIfford Bridge this evening. Pic by Northwest Newspix.
Gardai were also checking licenses and were also inspecting the boots of cars.
A number of license plate numbers were also taken by Gardai and checked against known criminal elements.
Sources say there are fears that members of the notorious Kinahan crime gang may attempt to infiltrate the funeral of Barr.
The show of strength by Gardai is understood to be an attempt to dissuade any attempts by the Kinahan gang in trying to cause any trouble at Barr’s funeral.
A source said “There are fears that the Kinahans could try to cause some kind of trouble at the funeral. Even their mere presence would upset a lot of people.
“Some people feel that they won’t try anything at a funeral but they are intent on getting the man known at Flatcap at any cost and Gardai simply cannot take the chance of anything happening.”
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