An intruder remains on the run after allegedly forcing their way on to a Royal Australian Air Force base in Darwin, assaulting a member of the defence forces and fleeing in a stolen car. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
Defence confirmed in a statement that on Monday afternoon a person "unlawfully gained access" to the base in the suburb of Winnellie.
"RAAF Darwin security, the Joint Military Police Unit, Northern Territory Police and Australian Federal Police responded, and base lockdown procedures and protocols were implemented," defence said.
"The individual allegedly assaulted a Defence Force member and proceeded to leave the base in a stolen vehicle."
The NT police, who are leading the investigation, confirmed it responded to the incident about 4.30pm on Monday.
The person was last seen travelling in the stolen car about 15km from the base.
"The vehicle was later sighted travelling south on the Stuart Highway and a pursuit commenced, but was called off near Palmerston after police lost sight of the vehicle," police said in a statement.
Police said the offender was yet to be identified, but the stolen vehicle was a white Ford Ranger.
According to the RAAF, the facility is one of its main forward mounting bases and shares a runway with the Darwin international airport.
The US Marines also have aviation support at the base during their 6-month rotations in Darwin.
The incident occurred at a key military facility in northern Australia, and authorities have heightened security measures. Defence said base lockdown procedures were implemented, which is typically a standard measure in such situations.
NT police are continuing their investigation and are urging witnesses or anyone with additional information to come forward. Work is underway to identify the offender.
The stolen white Ford Ranger was later seen travelling south on the Stuart Highway, but police lost sight of it near Palmerston and called off the pursuit. Police did not provide specific information about the vehicle's current location.
The RAAF Darwin base is an important part of Australia's northern defence infrastructure. It shares a runway with Darwin international airport, indicating its joint civil-military use.
In addition, US Marines have aviation support at the base during their 6-month rotations in Darwin, highlighting the base's role in international military cooperation.
The circumstances and reasons for the incident remain unknown. Police may provide further information as the investigation progresses. Authorities are urging the public to remain calm and to report any information to police.