Thirty-eight IRA prisoners carried out a coordinated and armed escape from the Maze Prison, known as Long Kesh, a high-security facility located near Lisburn, Northern Ireland. On September 25, 1983, the prisoners seized control of a meals lorry that was delivering food to the prison. The operation was meticulously planned, taking advantage of a lack of vigilance during the transfer of supplies. Armed with six handguns, the prisoners overpowered the prison staff and used the lorry to break through the prison gates, marking a significant act of defiance against the British government and its policies regarding Northern Ireland.

This bold escape represented a critical moment in the context of the Troubles, a protracted conflict in Northern Ireland characterized by violence between nationalists seeking unification with the Republic of Ireland and unionists wanting to remain part of the United Kingdom. The hijacking of the lorry not only facilitated the breakout but also exposed flaws in the security measures in place at one of the most notorious prisons of that time. It was seen by many in the IRA and their supporters as a successful political statement, a demonstration of resistance against British rule, and a rallying point for further activism.

The aftermath of the escape reverberated within both the prison system and the broader political landscape of Northern Ireland. Authorities undertook measures to enhance security in prisons across the country. While some prisoners who escaped were recaptured, others remained at large, bolstering the reputation of the IRA within its community. The operation highlighted the ongoing tensions and complexities involving imprisonment, justice, and political dissent in Northern Ireland, setting the stage for future conflicts and negotiations regarding peace and the resolution of the Troubles.