During the Irish War of Independence in 1920, IRA fighters ambushed British soldiers in Cork, wounding several and killing one. In retaliation, British forces burned and looted hundreds of homes and dozens of businesses, including City Hall and the Carnegie Library.

The soldiers also beat and robbed civilians indiscriminately. When firefighters arrived to combat the blaze, they were threatened and forced to retreat. Initially, the British government denied any involvement by their forces in the destruction. Even after evidence proved otherwise, no soldiers were ever held accountable.

Sound familiar? It should. This is a pattern of behavior. This particular event is the subject of the new song by Cardinals.
https://www.stereogum.com/2327152/cardinals-the-burning-of-cork/music/