The local Councillor was speaking after an explosion is believed to have occurred inside a mail van within the army barracks in Holywood, starting a fire which spread to a second vehicle within the confines.
Councillor Andrew Muir said: “Whilst the full details are still unclear, I am appalled and sickened that any attempt has been made to inflict damage at Palace Barracks.
“If proven that this is a deliberate attack, everyone must utterly condemn it and I would call on all local politicians to unite in signalling that Northern Ireland has no desire to return to the past. Those days are over and we must not allow the thugs behind incident to succeed in dragging us back.
“Across Northern Ireland people will be sickened by such a blatant attempt to target local military who are welcomed as an integral part of life in Holywood and we must all unite to move forward in creating a stable and peaceful future.
“I would appeal for anyone with information to contact the PSNI immediately.”