UK counter-terrorism police arrest senior US Army soldier

• A 41-year-old senior US Army serviceman was arrested near Gloucester, England, on Tuesday over suspected national security offences linked to Russia.
• British counter-terrorism police said the allegations involve obtaining or disclosing protected information and assisting a foreign intelligence service.
• Police are conducting searches at two locations in Gloucestershire.

A senior US Army soldier has been arrested in the United Kingdom on suspicion of committing national security offences linked to Russia, British counter-terrorism police said Tuesday.

The 41-year-old serviceman was detained near Gloucester, southwest England, on suspicion of offences under sections one and three of the UK’s National Security Act 2023, according to Counter Terrorism Policing London, as reported by the BBC.

Section one of the legislation criminalises obtaining or disclosing protected information, while section three covers assisting a foreign intelligence service. Police have launched searches at two locations in Gloucestershire as part of the investigation.

The BBC reported that the soldier was based at Imjin Barracks in Innsworth, Gloucestershire, which serves as the headquarters of NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.

FBI Director Kash Patel described the arrest as involving serious espionage allegations, stressing that the case was of significant concern to Washington and its allies.

"The 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, adding that the investigation remained ongoing.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans of Counter Terrorism Policing London also described the arrest as "significant," saying the allegations were serious and the investigation was continuing.

The soldier remains in custody at a London police station. Under the National Security Act 2023, police can detain suspects for up to 14 days without charge.

Brigadier General Sean Stinchon, commanding general of the US Army Counterintelligence Command, said the allegations highlighted the continuing threat posed by individuals with access to sensitive information.

"The alleged conduct of a senior soldier, entrusted with sensitive information, is a sobering reminder that insider threats are real and persistent," he said.

British police said the investigation was not connected to any other ongoing cases.

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