U.S. soldier arrested in Britain accused of espionage linked to Russia

LONDON (AP) — A member of the U.S. Army was arrested Tuesday in England on suspicion of espionage related to Russia, counterterror police said.

The 41-year-old, who was not named, was arrested near Gloucester on suspicion of violating two sections of the National Security Act 2023 — for assisting a foreign intelligence service and obtaining or disclosing protected information.

The Metropolitan Police said its counterterror forces worked closely with the FBI and U.S. military.

FBI Director Kash Patel called it an "important arrest" dealing with allegations of espionage that are of "utmost concern" for the U.S. and its allies.

"This FBI has no tolerance for anyone who breaks their oath to the United States and whose actions endanger our national security and that of our partners," Patel said.

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Searches were underway at two locations in Gloucestershire, a county about 90 miles (140 kilometers) west of London.

The suspect was detained and in custody at a London police station.

Police said the arrest was not related to other counterterror investigations, indicating it wasn't connected with a suspected terror plot linked to Iran in September at a U.S.-run base in Britain, RAF Fairford, near Gloucester.

After the threat, the U.S. Air Force withdrew bombers that had been used to strike Iran during the Middle East conflict from RAF Fairford.

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