I can safely say that the IRA never set out to intentionally harm civilians, (I'm talking provos not the continuity or real, they're a pack of c**ts who don't have a f****n clue) they had warnings given to prevent civilian casualties, they represented the people and declared war on the British occupation- soldiers, police(they were branded terrorists because they couldn't be beaten). Many of the occupying soldiers supported the UDA, LVF whatever you want to call them(these are things British soldiers have said), even the UDR had strong links with these paramilitaries who did nothing but murder