Since the mid- 1970s, the British Army had mainly ceased using roads in south County Armagh because of the threat of culvert mines and most longer distance movement including minor and major operations, especially the resupply of security bases, had to be carried out by helicopter.
Since the mid- 1970s, the British Army had given up the control of the roads in south County Armagh to the Provisional IRA. All major operations, especially the resupply of security bases, had to be carried out by helicopter.