Pro-Palestinian activists break into RAF Brize Norton and damage two military planes
Members of a pro-Palestinian activist group have broken into a military base and damaged two aircraft.
Two Palestine Action activists broke into RAF Brize Norton in Carterton, Oxfordshire, on e-scooters and sprayed red paint on two planes.
The group said the incident took place due to flights departing daily from the base to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, "a base used for military operations in Gaza and across the Middle East".
They had repurposed fire extinguishers to spray red paint, which they say symbolises the "bloodshed" in Gaza, into the turbine engines of two Airbus Voyagers and caused further damage using crowbars.
Paint was also sprayed across the runway and a Palestinian flag was left on the scene.
Palestine Action said the pair involved in the incident were not apprehended by security and no arrests have been made.
A Palestine Action spokesperson said: "Despite publicly condemning the Israeli government, Britain continues to send military cargo, fly spy planes over Gaza and refuel US/Israeli fighter jets.
"Britain isn't just complicit, it's an active participant in the Gaza genocide and war crimes across the Middle East.
"By decommissioning two military planes, Palestine Action have directly intervened to break the chains of oppression."
A Ministry of Defence Spokesperson 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."
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