The British government was under pressure tonight to take action against the largest loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Defence Association, amid claims the group has broken its ceasefire.
Police believe the attacks are designed to destabilise the peace process and fear that if they continue republicans could retaliate.
Although security chiefs believe five of the UDA's six battalions have declared their opposition to the Belfast Agreement, their October 1994 ceasefire is officially still intact.
But with fears of fatalities in the escalating campaign the government is making daily assessments on the state of the truce.
Mr Gary McMichael, leader of the Ulster Democratic Party, which has links to the UDA, called on the paramilitary group to clarify whether it is still on ceasefire.
"I think that while there is uncertainty around all of this it would be helpful if the UDA were to clarify what its position was."
There were signs today that those responsible for directing the violence may have extended the campaign. A Catholic workman was injured when a device exploded in his face as he opened the cab door of a digger in Moygashel near Dungannon, Co Tyrone.
The victim (53) was treated in Craigavon Area Hospital for cuts to his face. His condition was described tonight as stable.
The attack took place just hours after pipe bombs exploded in Dungannon and in Limavady, Co Derry. No one was hurt.
PA