Families of Brian Campbell and Colm McGirr reached confidential settlements in damages claims against the Ministry of Defence and Police Service of Northern Ireland. The High Court heard the announcement on Friday. Campbell, aged 19, and McGirr, aged 23, died in December 1983 near Coalisland in County Tyrone.

British soldiers conducted surveillance for three days at an arms dump on Cloghog Road. Campbell and McGirr arrived with another individual. Troops then fired on them. Up to 79 bullet cartridges from the soldiers' weapons were found at the scene.

Relatives alleged a shoot-to-kill policy and inadequate investigation. An inquest in 1985 made no major findings on the deaths. A 2013 Historical Enquiries Team report noted McGirr's body position matched him kneeling when shot. It also found no shots hit Campbell from the front.

The families launched proceedings in 2016 based on that report. Barrister Des Fahy KC informed the court of the settlements. Judge Mr Justice Rooney called it good news after the long duration.

Solicitor Pádraig Ó Muirigh stated the terms followed weeks of talks. He said the families plan a charity donation. Brian McGirr, Colm's brother, said they fought for justice over 43 years. Michael Campbell, Brian's brother, said forensics proved how the men died.