Cliff Notes
- A pro-Palestinian group, Palestine Action, has claimed responsibility for breaking into RAF Brize Norton and damaging two military aircraft, describing the act as a protest against military operations in Gaza.
- The Ministry of Defence (MoD) condemned the incident as “vandalism” and emphasised its support for the armed forces, which are currently engaged in operations in the Middle East.
- Activists reportedly used electric scooters to access the aircraft and caused damage by spraying red paint and using crowbars, while managing to evade security.
Pro-Palestinian activists break into RAF base and ‘vandalise’ aircraft | UK News
A pro-Palestinian group has targeted an RAF base and damaged two military aircraft in what the Ministry of Defence (MoD) branded an act of “vandalism”.
Palestine Action posted on X to say it had broken into RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.
In a video shared online, a person can be seen approaching an aircraft on a scooter as music is played. Red paint can be seen on the ground.
The MoD said: “We strongly condemn this vandalism of Royal Air Force assets. We are working closely with the police who are investigating.
“Our Armed Forces represent the very best of Britain. They put their lives on the line for us, and their display of duty, dedication and selfless personal sacrifice are an inspiration to us all. It is our responsibility to support those who defend us.”
In a statement, Palestine Action -which focuses its campaigns on multinational arms dealers and has previously targeted corporate banks – said it had damaged two military planes at the RAF base, where flights depart on a daily basis for RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, which is used for military operations in Gaza and across the Middle East.
The group said two activists “broke into the largest air force base in Britain and used electric scooters to swiftly manoeuvre towards the planes”.
“They used repurposed fire extinguishers to spray red paint into the turbine engines of two Airbus Voyagers and caused further damage using crowbars.
“Red paint, symbolising Palestinian bloodshed was also sprayed across the runway and a Palestine flag was left on the scene. Both activists managed to evade security and arrest.”
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