A unit of the Defence Forces from Sarsfield Barracks in Limerick has joined a massive search for two brothers who were abducted in the city nearly two days ago.
The infantry unit will concentrate its search on the outskirts of the city along an area close to the Old Pavement dump.
They join a garda helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft which have conducted recognisance flights over the edge of the city and nearby woodlands.
Mr Eddie Ryan (20) and 19-year-old Kieran were last seen near their homes in Limerick on Thursday evening when they were confronted by two armed and masked men.
The brothers were with a friend at the time of the confrontation with two men wearing balaclava helmets and carrying guns.
The third man, Mr Christopher Costello, told gardai that following a struggle, they were bundled into a large black car and driven away after a shot was fired.
Pellets lodged in Mr Costello's jacket, but he managed to flee and raised the alarm before being taken to hospital and later discharged.
Last night the Bishop of Limerick joined in a police appeal for information about their disappearance.
Bishop Donal Murray said the abduction and recent incidents in the Limerick showed the pointless cruelty of violence and intimidation. He pleaded for information that would help find the pair and bring them safely home.
The bishop spoke out with an anxiety grew about the two men, whose father, also named Eddie, was shot dead in a crowded Limerick bar more than two years ago.
Detectives believe the abduction could be linked to a feud between Limerick families, and associates of the missing brothers last night indicated they knew who was responsible for the abduction.
Less than 12 hours before Thursday night's abduction, Mr Kieran Ryan was assaulted outside Limerick Circuit Court House where he had been appearing on an assault charge.
Counsel for Mr Ryan, Mr Brian McInerney, told the court that his client had been the victim of a "serious assault" outside the courthouse.
The case later collapsed after the key witness said he could not remember who had attacked him.
The abducted men's mother, Mr Mary Ryan, remained heavily sedated at the family home today and was being comforted by family and friends.
An anonymous and threatening phonecall allegedly made to the brothers' family is also being investigated by gardai.
Supt Willie Keane, who is heading the investigation, said officers were extremely concerned about the brothers, reporting: "It is obviously a very serious situation.
"These two young men are missing since between 10.20 p.m. and 11.30 p.m. last evening and I would appeal to anyone who would be holding them at the moment to release them unharmed."
He appealed for anybody with information on the incident to contact Limerick gardaí.