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UK agents at risk after Russia and China reportedly crack files leaked by Snowden

There are fears that Russia and China may expose British and American intelligence agents to its allies after spies have reportedly cracked a cache of files stolen by whistle blower Edward Snowden.

While there is no evidence that any British agents have been harmed, MI6 have pulled agents from operations in hostile countries. Over one million classified files held by Snowden are believed to have been cracked, which contain secret intelligence techniques and information that could put American and British spies at risk.

However, no government has yet confirmed that Russian or Chinese spies have gained full access to the files held by Snowden.

A British intelligence spokesman said: "We know Russia and China have access to Snowden's material and will be going through it for years to come, searching for clues to identify potential targets.

"Snowden has done incalculable damage. In some cases the agencies have been forced to intervene and lift their agents from operations to prevent them from being identified and killed."

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