The first car bombing by the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) occurred in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where a bomb hidden in a vehicle was detonated in a busy urban area. This devastating attack resulted in the deaths of seven people and injured 148 others, unsettling the local community and drawing national media attention. The bomb was detonated during rush hour, ensuring maximum impact and demonstrating the IRA's shift toward more destructive tactics in pursuit of their political objectives.

The bombing not only caused immediate casualties but also heightened tensions within the already volatile environment of Northern Ireland during The Troubles, a period characterized by conflict between republican and unionist groups. The Provisional IRA, formed in the late 1960s, aimed to end British rule in Ireland and reunify the island. This incident marked a critical turning point in their strategy, pivoting towards urban warfare and tactics that endangered civilian lives.

The aftermath of the bombing prompted widespread condemnation and a significant crackdown on the IRA. It also sparked further violence as retaliatory measures were initiated by security forces and loyalist groups, thereby escalating the ongoing conflict. The incident exemplified the complex nature of The Troubles, where the lines between combatants and civilians became increasingly blurred, leading to an enduring legacy of violence in Northern Ireland.