Pro-Palestinian activists break into RAF base and 'vandalise' aircraft
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 -w hich focuses its campaigns on multinational arms dealers and has previously - 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 said repurposed fire extinguishers were used to spray red paint into the turbine engines of two Airbus Voyagers, while and further damage was made using crowbars.
"Red paint, symbolising Palestinian bloodshed was also sprayed across the runway and a Palestine flag was left on the scene," the statement added.
"Both activists managed to evade security and arrest."
Work is underway to assess whether any damage has been caused, it is understood.
No operations or planned movements are thought to have been affected.
A senior RAF source told Sky News: "The claims made by the group who broke into RAF Brize Norton show a complete lack of understanding of how the RAF operates and what these aircraft do.
"The UK is not supporting Israeli operations and these aircraft have not been used in support of Israeli forces in any shape or form."
Ben Obese-Jecty, a Liberal Democrat MP and former army officer, said the breach at Brize Norton was "absolutely staggering".
"Given the current heightened global tensions, the increase in activity and the recent exploitation of the vulnerability of Russian airbases by Ukraine, it is incredible that our busiest RAF base could be compromised."
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