Police are currently at the scene of a security alert in Crossmaglen, following the discovery of a suspicious object close to a major cross-border electricity interconnector.
The object was found in the Dundalk Road area and there is a cordon in place between the Foxfield Road and the border.
Sinn Féin Councillor Terry Hearty spoke tonight (Wednesday) of the disruption which is currently being caused.
A PSNI spokesperson said police regret the disruption but they were intent on making the area safe for the people of South Armagh.
The road, he added, is expected to remain closed for some considerable time.
ATO remain at the scene.
The suspicious looking device has been left in an area close to the North/South electricity interconnector.
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has condemned those behind the alert.
She said: “It is not the first time our infrastructure has been attacked by terrorists. A previous generation wasted precious lives trying to advance a political goal through such tactics. They failed. This further attempt will also fail.
“I have been in touch with the Electricity Systems Operator. The operator has procedures in place to deal with this event and ensure that power to homes in Northern Ireland is not disrupted.
“Given the location of this device, Army Technical Officers will require time to resolve the situation.
“I have no doubt that the majority of our population are opposed to this activity.
“These terrorists can only be put out of business if the community gives information to the police and provide zero cover for anyone involved such hate filled terror.”
A PSNI spokesman added: “Police regret any disruption and will endeavour to make the area safe for the people of South Armagh as quickly as possible but it is anticipated that the alert may continue for some time.”
