British authorities have arrested a US Army officer for allegedly spying for Russia. The detainee is a 41-year-old individual who, according to the public broadcaster BBC, was stationed at Imjin Barracks, where the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) is located, one of NATO's key command centers in the event of a war in Europe. Interestingly, the ARRC is in Gloucestershire, the same county where five people were arrested a month and a half ago for allegedly planning an attack on Fairford Air Base, where more than a dozen US B-1 heavy bombers that had participated in the war against Iran were stationed.
The operation took place in coordination with the US FBI, whose director, Kash Patel, stated in a press release that he considers the allegations against the US officer "a matter of utmost concern for the United States and its allies." Patel asserted that, while investigations continue, "the FBI has zero tolerance for anyone who violates their oath of allegiance to the United States and whose actions jeopardize our national security and that of our partners."
The ARRC is one of the most important institutions for NATO. Its mission would be to deploy to the theater of operations and coordinate frontline actions in the event of war. It consists of over 400 military personnel from nearly two dozen countries, under the command of a British lieutenant general, and its establishment in 1992 reinforced the UK's role in the Alliance. The arrest comes at a time of heightened tension between the UK and Russia. The latter has not appointed an ambassador in London since July.
The detention occurred under the National Security Act of 2023, which allows UK authorities to hold a person without charges for up to 14 days. This is again the same legislation used in the case of the alleged terrorist attack in September. In that case, two individuals, both British nationals, have been formally charged with violating that law, although only one for events related to the incidents of September 27. London has accused Iran of being behind the alleged attempted attack, which prompted the US to withdraw its bombers. Yesterday, the Pentagon ordered the evacuation of at least 10 tanker aircraft from the UK due to fears of another attack. This measure came a day after security measures were tightened at least at two bases housing US aircraft.