A group supporting Palestine has targeted an RAF base, damaging two military aircraft in what the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has condemned as an act of vandalism.
Palestine Action announced on X that they had broken into RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. In a video posted online, an individual is seen approaching an aircraft on a scooter amidst background music, with red paint visible on the ground.
The MoD strongly denounced the vandalism, emphasizing the exemplary dedication of the Armed Forces and their sacrifices for national defense. They stated their collaboration with the police for investigation into the incident.
Palestine Action, known for targeting multinational arms dealers, explained that their activists had accessed the base and used scooters to swiftly reach two Airbus Voyagers. They purportedly sprayed red paint into the engines and caused additional damage with crowbars. Red paint was also sprayed on the runway, and a Palestine flag was left at the scene.
The group claimed that their actions symbolized solidarity with Palestinians, though security measures prevented their arrest. Initial assessments suggest no disruption to operations at the base.
An RAF official criticized the group's actions, highlighting a misunderstanding of the RAF's operations and clarifying that the UK's military activities do not support Israeli operations.
Ben Obese-Jecty, a Liberal Democrat MP and former army officer, expressed astonishment over the breach at Brize Norton, particularly in light of current global tensions and military vulnerabilities highlighted by recent events.