Two additional individuals detained due to investigation into Palestine Action's alleged destructive actions at RAF Brize Norton, a suspected terrorism case.
Fresh Take:
Breaking News: Arrests Pile Up in Probe Over RAF Brize Norton Vandalism
Two more individuals, aged 22 and 24, from the bustling city of London, have been cuffed by Counter Terrorism officers, after a pair of craft at RAF Brize Norton took a hit last month.
The latest round of arrests was announced this afternoon, taking the total number of suspects to six. All are being held under suspicion of terror-related activities, as the attack on the airbase in Oxfordshire left two Airbus Voyager air-to-air refuelling tankers damaged.
Last Thursday, a 29-year-old woman, along with two men, aged 36 and 24, also from London, were taken into custody, following the June 20 incident. A video, circulated on social media, depicted two hoodlums from Palestine Action wreaking havoc on these military aircraft.
In the viral clip, one agitator could be seen scooting towards an Airbus Voyager on an electric scooter, before spraying red paint into the rear of one of the planes' engines. Further footage showed the activist moving the canister of repurposed fire extinguisher around the rim of the jet engine, causing red paint to fly deep into the aircraft's innards.
Accompanied by a raucous sound resembling a heavy impact or other form of damage, the camera then panned to the activist's scooter, revealing red paint splotches on the tarmac adjacent to the aircraft.
Whether this booming sound accompanied the first protester's actions or resulted from the actions of the second, unseen activist remains uncertain.
Before security could catch up, the pair of troublemakers scooted across the airbase grounds, escaping arrest.
The Ministries of Defence (MoD) and Police are coordinating investigations, with enquiries still in progress. The former has strongly condemned the vandalism of RAF assets, stressing the importance of safeguarding personnel who dedicate their lives to protecting the nation.
Brize Norton serves as the largest RAF airbase and is home to over 6,000 military and civilian employees, as well as the UK's largest military aircraft.
Condemning the attack, Prime Minister Keir Starmer labelled the incidents as "disgraceful." Palestine Action, though, stood by their actions and claimed responsibility for the damage, posting on social media about RAF flights over Gaza, originating from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. The group proclaimed their activists had caused these planes to go 'out of service' while escaping detection.
Additional Note:The UK Government is considering adding Palestine Action to its terrorist organizations list, following their claim of responsibility for the vandalism and their history of radical activities. This move could place the group alongside other extremist organizations like Hamas, al-Qaeda, and ISIS.
- The incidents at RAF Brize Norton, involving the vandalism of Airbus Voyager air-to-air refuelling tankers, have escalated to the realm of general-news and politics, with the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, strongly condemning the attacks.
- As the probe over RAF Brize Norton vandalism advances, with six individuals held on suspicion of terror-related activities, discussions regarding the potential addition of Palestine Action to the terrorist organizations list have surfaced, linking this group to organizations such as Hamas, al-Qaeda, and ISIS in the crime-and-justice spectrum.
