Gregor Young
Tue 31 December 2024
The Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA), is considering one case related to one individual and another involving eight
NINE UK special forces troops could be prosecuted over alleged war crimes in Syria, Ministry of Defence (MoD) figures show.
The Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA), is considering one case related to one individual and another involving eight.
The body, the military equivalent of the Crown Prosecution Service, is also considering a case involving another member of the armed forces over their actions in Afghanistan.
It comes after a request for information by The Times newspaper, though the MoD gave no further details on the alleged war crimes.
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A case may relate to one or more incidents.
Earlier this year, the Daily Mail reported that five serving SAS soldiers were facing a murder investigation over the death of a suspected jihadist in Syria two years ago.
The newspaper said that special forces chiefs believe troops used excessive force and should have arrested the suspect, who was shot dead.
It has been reported that the Royal Military Police is investigating whether the man’s shooting was a war crime.
Soldiers allegedly believed the suspect was wearing a suicide vest and was intent on attacking British troops.
The Daily Mail reported that a primed bomb vest was later found in a nearby building.
Military bosses reportedly sent files to the SPA recommending murder charges against the five soldiers, according to the newspaper.
The report said the soldiers were watching a suspect jihadi compound at night, when suspects allegedly ran from the property shortly before a planned raid.
The newspaper said a jihadist was seen lying motionless behind a bush and he was shot several times at point-blank range.
An MoD spokesperson said: “Our UK personnel are respected worldwide for the highest standards and action will be taken against anyone that fails to meet these standards, including dismissal from service, where appropriate.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further on ongoing investigations.”
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