What weapons were used during the northern Ireland conflict?

During the Northern Ireland conflict, commonly referred to as "The Troubles," various weapons were utilized by different factions involved. It's essential to note that the majority of violence occurred between paramilitary groups and the security forces, primarily the British Army and the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC).

1. Small arms: Both paramilitary groups and security forces used a range of small arms, such as pistols, rifles, and submachine guns. Some commonly used weapons included the AR-15 rifle, Heckler & Koch G3 rifle, and Sterling submachine gun.

2. Explosives: Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were extensively employed by paramilitary groups, particularly the Irish Republican Army (IRA). These included car bombs, booby traps, mortars, and grenades.

3. Firearms: Sniping was a tactic used by paramilitary groups to target police officers and soldiers from concealed positions. Rifles with telescopic sights were commonly used.

4. Heavy weapons: Rarely used, larger weapons such as heavy machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) were also part of some paramilitary arsenals.

It's important to mention that the conflict was largely asymmetrical, with the British government and security forces possessing a considerably greater level of weaponry and resources compared to the paramilitary groups. The police and military primarily relied on conventional combat tactics, while paramilitary groups often used guerrilla warfare tactics, including ambushes and covert operations.