UK
Four arrested after Gaza protesters break into another weapons factory
‘Significant damage caused’ as new direct action group breaks into Wolverhampton factory
August 26, 2025 13:57
‘Significant damage caused’ as new direct action group breaks into Wolverhampton factory
August 26, 2025 13:57Police have made four arrests after a new direct-action group calling itself “Palestinian martyrs for justice” broke into a UK weapons factory in Wolverhampton overnight.
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, members of the group filmed themselves crashing a vehicle through the entrance gate at Moog Aircraft Group, before lighting a red flare and using ropes to scale the wall of the facility.
BREAKING: Four action takers crash through two gates and climb on top of a weapons factory called 'Moog'.
— The Aftershock (@The_Aftershock_) August 26, 2025
The Wolverhampton firm supplies Elbit Systems Israel with military aircraft parts, used to train Israeli pilots to fly F-16 and F-35 fighter jets. pic.twitter.com/MXkJghyeVY
Each member of the group wore a t-shirt featuring the face of a “Palestinian martyr”.
While on the roof, one of the activists said: "We are Palestinian Martyrs for Justice and each of us here today on the roof of Moog are wearing a t-shirt of one of the martyrs that have been murdered by Israel in the genocide.
"Raghd was 17 years old when she was killed by an Israeli air strike," said the activist, whose own face was concealed by a keffiyeh.
The group subsequently claimed in a statement that Moog "has continued to supply Elbit Systems Israel with the parts needed to train Israeli pilots to use F-35 and F-16 fighter Jets", which they claimed are "used to massacre Palestinians".
Each action taker from 'Palestinian Martyrs for Justice' is wearing a t-shirt in honour of four martyrs: Hossam Shabat, Refaat Alareer, Adnan Al-Bursh and Raghd Al-Jabri.
— The Aftershock (@The_Aftershock_) August 26, 2025
They're calling for support as they shut down weapons factory Moog, Wolverhampton, WV9 5GB. pic.twitter.com/KtOEW1mXcE
By mid-morning, protesters were still reportedly on the roof of the factory.
A spokeswoman from South Staffordshire Police said: "Four people have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage offences following an incident at an industrial unit in South Staffordshire earlier today.
"We were called at 3.50am today to Valiant Way, in Pendeford, following reports of criminal damage.
"A number of individuals had entered a manufacturing building and gained access to the roof.
"Significant damage was caused to a number of sky lights and solar panels.
"Officers, along with colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, were deployed to the scene and four individuals were arrested.
"This is an ongoing investigation and we would ask members of the public to avoid the site at this time."
The emergence of the new direct-action group comes after the proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. Palestine Action previously targeted arms suppliers, which it said had links to the war in Gaza.
Moog Aircraft Group has been approached for comment.
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