HARGEISA(Wajaalenews) ;The German government has ordered the expulsion of a CIA official in Berlin in response to two cases of alleged spying by the US.

The official is said to have acted as a CIA contact at the US embassy, reports say, in a scandal that has infuriated German politicians.

A German intelligence official was arrested last week on suspicion of spying.

An inquiry has also begun into a German defence ministry worker, reports said.

“The representative of the US intelligence services at the embassy of the United States of America has been told to leave Germany,” government spokesman Steffen Seibert said.

The US and Germany have been close allies for decades but relations were hit last year when it emerged that Chancellor Angela Merkel’s mobile phone had been monitored by the NSA.

The White House declined to comment on the matter but said the security and intelligence relationship with Germany “is a very important one and keeps Germans and Americans safe”.

“It is essential that co-operation continue in all areas and we will continue to be in touch with the German government in appropriate channels,” spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said.