AN inquest into the Springhill massacre in Belfast 50 years ago has said 24 military witnesses are cooperating with proceedings.
Five Catholic civilians were shot dead in a shooting incident involving the British Army on July 9, 1972.
They included Fr Noel Fitzpatrick (40), Paddy Butler (39), Margaret Gargan (13), John Dougal (16) and David McCafferty (15).
John Dougal had been a member of the Provisional IRA's youth wing while David McClafferty had been linked to the Official IRA's.
At a preliminary hearing held in Belfast yesterday, family members were joined outside Laganside court by former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams.
The court was told that as well as civilian witnesses, a total of 63 potential military witnesses were initially identified, but 19 were deceased and 11 were eliminated.
Of the remaining 33, 24 had engaged with proceedings while nine had failed to engage.
It remains to be seen if the military witnesses will apply for anonymity ahead of the inquest.
The coroner also said that, while it was generally agreed that one army unit was in the area at the time of the killings, members from up to three other units could also have been present.
Speaking ahead of yesterday's proceedings, Mr Butler's granddaughter Natasha said: "This inquest is important for our family for achieving truth and accountability into my granda's death. It's our chance to give him a voice and clear his good name, that's justice to us."
A further preliminary hearing is set for January 27, with the full inquest proceedings due to start on February 20.
During a 50th anniversary commemoration held in July, the Springhill families had previously spoken out against the UK government's controversial legacy proposals.
The Legacy Bill is opposed by all the main political parties in Northern Ireland as well as victims groups.
Currently passing through the House of Lords, the bill is intended to offer an amnesty to those accused of killings and other Troubles-related crimes if they cooperate with a truth recovery body.
It would also prevent future civil cases and inquests linked to the Troubles.
