UK recalls spies after Russia and China crack leaked files

The UK has recalled agents from live operations abroad after Russia and China had successfully cracked top-secret information contained in files leaked by former U.S. National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden, according to reports in the British press.

The MI6 security service, which operates overseas to defend British interests abroad, has removed agents from a number of unnamed countries, the reports said, citing unnamed officials at the office of British Prime Minister David Cameron, the Home Office and security services.

Both Russia and China have managed to crack encrypted documents containing details of secret intelligence techniques that could allow British and American spies to be identified, said the reports.

Downing Street is playing down the reports with an official at Cameron's office quoted as saying that there was "no evidence of anyone being harmed."