Thurs 6th March: reports of cruise missile loading

Anti-war campaigners at RAF / USAF Fairford in Gloucestershire have been maintaining a Bomber Watch [pics] outside the base since US B-52 bombers started arriving there at the start of the week (one campaigner was arrested after four hours inside the base). The use of military planes from Fairford signaled the start of the previous Gulf War bombardment. Many protests including civil disobedience and direct actions have been held at Fairford in recent months (see previous features) - there is also an ongoing peace camp (recently moved).

Police have stepped up security around the base using Section 60 to enable stop-and-search powers.

Fairford is also one of only a few bases outside the US that can accommodate the nuclear capable B-2 Stealth Bombers. Despite rumors there has so far been no confirmation of B-2 deployment at Fairford, although U2 spyplanes have been seen.

Bombers continue to arrive, and campaigners are calling for more people to join the bomber watch. They also intend to hold a Picnic 4 Peace this weekend ahead of a mass protest planned at the base and elsewhere on March 22nd.