Pine Gap protesters film themselves blocking entry to US-run defence facility

Video has emerged of protesters blocking the entry to a military base in the Red Centre as part of a ‘global day of action’.

A group of protesters have at the entry to Joint Defence Facility Pine Gap, south of Alice Springs, on Sunday, February 23, 2025. Picture: Instagram/ Mparntwe for Falastin

Protesters as part of a “global day of action” demanded the Pine Gap facility shut its doors.

On Sunday, less than 10 protesters descended on the gates of Joint Defence Facility Pine Gap, south of Alice Springs.

The protesters filmed themselves on Hatt Rd – the road leading into the base – as well as right at the gate of the facility.

In the video, the protesters chanted “land back, close Pine Gap”.

A group of protesters have at the entry to Joint Defence Facility Pine Gap, south of Alice Springs, on Sunday, February 23, 2025. Picture: Instagram/ Mparntwe for Falastin

This masthead understands none of the protesters were arrested.

Instagram account Mparntwe for Falastin posted videos of the protest and said the action was part of a “global day of action to #closebases”.

Accompanying them was an Arrernte traditional owner who also called for land to be returned and compensation paid to them, according to post.

The group claimed the base was “responsible for the murder of many thousands of people in Afghanistan and Iraq”.

Joint Defence Facility Pine Gap intelligence facility at night. Picture: Supplied

The group Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN) had organised protest actions at a variety of military bases across the country, from Rockingham in WA to the US embassy in Canberra and other actions in Cairns.

Pine Gap is run by the United States Government with the Australian Government assisting, and has long been shrouded in secrecy.

In November 2023, a group of protesters allegedly affixed themselves to a 44 gallon drum on Hatt Rd, blocking entry to the base.

Originally published as Pine Gap protesters film themselves blocking entry to US-run defence facility