British Counterterrorism Police Arrest US Army Officer for Surveillance Activities in Gloucester

A 41-year-old member of the US Army was arrested near Gloucester on Tuesday in England, according to a Metropolitan Police statement. Investigators searched two locations within the Gloucestershire region, noting that the allegations pertain to activities in Russia.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, described the action as a “significant arrest” as a result of “close collaboration between UK and US authorities.”

“The allegations are serious and our investigation is very much ongoing,” Evans said.

FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the case represents of “utmost concern” to the US and its allies. “While this investigation is continuing, I want to send a clear message — 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. He also expressed thanks to UK investigators across various branches and the US Military Counterintelligence Command “for their outstanding work.”

What did US and UK officials say about the arrest?

The area surrounding Gloucestershire in the west of England, approximately two hours’ drive from London, hosts several sensitive military and intelligence sites as well as outposts for various British and US companies with ties to the defense industry. RAF Fairford, which garnered attention earlier this year due to a security scare at the large airbase utilized by both UK and US planes, is located southeast of Gloucester.

Gloucester’s neighboring town, Cheltenham, serves as one of the UK’s intelligence hubs outside London and houses the headquarters of the nation’s signals intelligence agency, GCHQ.

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