Who are terrorist groups like the IRA or ETA and what do they want?

As the global threat of terrorism becomes more outstanding, many people are curious about certain longstanding terrorist organizations which exist within Europe.

The IRA (Irish Republican Army) and ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna) are two prominent terrorist groups in Europe. It's important to note that the status and activities of these groups may have evolved, and I recommend consulting current and reputable news sources for the most up-to-date information. The main ones include the:

1. Irish Republican Army (IRA):
Background: The IRA was an Irish republican paramilitary organization that operated primarily in Northern Ireland and, to a lesser extent, in other parts of Ireland and the UK. The group sought to end British rule in Northern Ireland and establish a united, independent Ireland. The conflict, known as "The Troubles," lasted for decades, resulting in significant violence and loss of life.
Goals: The IRA's primary goal was to achieve a united and independent Ireland by expelling British forces from Northern Ireland and unifying it with the Republic of Ireland. They advocated for Irish nationalism and opposed what they perceived as British interference in Irish affairs.

2. ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna):
Background: ETA was a Basque separatist group that operated in the Basque Country and parts of Spain and France. The organization sought independence for the Basque Country, a region in northern Spain and southwestern France with a distinct linguistic and cultural identity.
Goals: ETA aimed to establish an independent Basque state, separate from Spain and France. They believed in Basque nationalism and sought to achieve their objectives through armed struggle, bombings, and assassinations. The conflict resulted in a significant loss of life and damage to property.
Both the IRA and ETA have been involved in numerous acts of violence, including bombings, assassinations, and other forms of armed resistance. Over the years, efforts have been made to negotiate with and demobilize these groups, leading to varying degrees of success. As of my last update, ETA announced a permanent ceasefire in 2011 and officially disbanded in 2018. The IRA, on the other hand, saw a significant reduction in violence following the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, which helped pave the way for a more peaceful resolution to the conflict in Northern Ireland.