UK building new special-ops force

LONDON: The British Army is building a new special-operations group for overseas activities that could soon take part in conflicts in the Middle East and East Africa.

Budget cuts have played a role in the restructuring, but the move is also part of efforts by the UK to build influence abroad in the wake of Brexit.

The new Ranger Regiment, modeled after the US Green Berets, will contain four battalions of about 250 specially selected personnel. Their duties will include cyberwarfare and intelligence gathering.