Russian journalist monitored for ‘suspicious behaviour’ near Berkshire military base

A Russian journalist was monitored for “suspicious behaviour” close to a British military base, the Ministry of Defence has said.

Timur Siraziev was seen repeatedly passing the 77th Brigade’s barracks in Hermitage, Berkshire, the Mail on Sunday reported.

He was recorded by the base’s security cameras and was seen filming close to the perimeter fence, the newspaper said.

Siraziev is listed on the Russian Embassy website as bureau chief for television station Channel One.

A senior Army source said: “Timur Siraziev’s suspicious behaviour was monitored by the base’s security systems throughout.”

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson (pictured) said: “We take the security of our bases and personnel incredibly seriously.

“If a member of the public sees anyone acting suspiciously in or around a military base, it should be reported to the police as a matter of urgency.”

Siraziev was reported to have told Russian news agency RIA Novosti that he had not done anything illegal or secret and did not try to enter the base.

The news comes amid heightened political tensions between the UK and Russia after Moscow’s GRU military intelligence agency was blamed for the poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury.

Last month, the new head of the Army, General Mark Carleton-Smith, warned that Russia poses a far greater threat to national security than Islamic terrorist groups such as al-Qaeda and Islamic State.

The 77th Brigade, which is modelled on the Chindits, a specialist unit which fought behind Japanese lines in Burma during the Second World War, was set up in 2015 and comprises soldiers with propaganda, political activism and social media skills.

At the time, the Army said the regular and reserve unit was being created “to draw together a host of existing and developing capabilities essential to meet the challenges of modern conflict and warfare”, adding: “It recognises that the actions of others in a modern battlefield can be affected in ways that are not necessarily violent.”

Picture: Reuters/Hannah McKay

Topics in this article : Russia