The Real Ulster Freedom Fighters, otherwise known as the Real UFF, is a dissident loyalist paramilitary group in Northern Ireland. It was founded in early 2007 by former members of the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) /Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF).[1] They reportedly committed 24 attacks from 2009 to 2011 in County Antrim.[2] They are believed to number fewer than 50 members.
On 30 March 2023 a new 'Real Ulster Freedom Fighters' announced its formation. This movement also split from the UDA.[3]
Much of its membership and the organisation itself have been accused of being involved in criminality and has been ostracized by much of the loyalist movement, with them being blamed for bringing heroin into Newtownards [4] They have also been accused of asking the New IRA for protection in prison in return they would give them information on police officers locations, and even offered to offer them safehouses in Down if the attack were to take place there.[5]
The group announced its existence on 1 April 2007, shortly after the St Andrews Agreement.[1] In a statement, the group said:
We have had enough of people telling us what to do - if the opportunity arises we will take out the entire UDA leadership because they are selling us out. Protestant areas are still awash with drugs and we are not going to stand by while so-called loyalists line their pockets.[1]
The group claimed to have drawn-up a "death list" that included:[1]
The Real UFF also claimed to have an arsenal that includes rocket launchers, AK-47 assault rifles, handguns, pipe bombs, coffee-jar bombs and under-car booby-trap devices.[1] However it is unknown if these weapons are still in their possession.
They were said by Sunday Life to be an alliance between former supporters of Gary "Smickers" Smyth and others who had been close to the Shoukri brothers.[1]
The current RUFF is said to be ran and involved with Adrian price, a known criminal who is involved in feuds with loyalist groups.