Forces getting rid of Catholic opposition (7)
I believe the answer is:
enemies
'forces' is the definition.
(I know this)
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for enemies that I've seen before include "Foes, adversaries" , "Those we fight" , "Foes, opponents" , "Foes, hostile groups" .)