In a bold and controversial move, members of the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action infiltrated the UK’s largest air force base, R.A.F. Brize Norton, early Friday morning, damaging two military aircraft. The group claimed that this act was a protest against the UK's military support for Israel amidst ongoing conflicts.
Utilizing electric scooters, the activists were filmed maneuvering around the base in Oxfordshire, where approximately 5,800 military personnel are stationed. In their demonstration, the activists sprayed red paint on the turbine engines of two Airbus Voyager planes and left red paint on the runway as a symbolic gesture to represent Palestinian bloodshed, according to statements made by Palestine Action.
The incident raised alarms over security protocols at the facility, prompting a response from the Thames Valley Police, who stated that they are working in conjunction with the Ministry of Defense to investigate the breach. Authorities confirmed that they are actively attempting to locate and apprehend those involved in the vandalism.
The Ministry of Defense expressed strong condemnation regarding the incident, emphasizing the need for collaboration with the police on the ongoing investigation, although no immediate comments were made regarding the potential review of security measures in place at Brize Norton.
As the situation develops, the defense ministry noted that the base plays a crucial role in providing rapid mobility for overseas operations and supports air-to-air coordination for U.K. defense efforts. This latest protest at R.A.F. Brize Norton signifies rising tensions related to the geopolitical issues surrounding Israel and Palestine.
