 He was to be questioned about internal security leaks that led to the May 1987 Loughgall Ambush of an IRA active service unit (ASU) by the Special Air Service which had resulted in the deaths of eight IRA volunteers and a civilian.According to Gethins, Breen was targeted by the IRA after he had given television interviews in the days following the ambush.Kevin Fulton suggested British agents who took part in the ambush at Jonesborough had shot Breen and Buchanan lest they reveal the names of informants whilst under torture.