Five SAS soldiers 'investigated over Syria war crime claims'

They are reportedly accused of using excessive force against a suspected Jihadist bomber
Five British soldiers are said to be under investigation
PA Archive

Five serving SAS soldiers are reportedly facing possible murder charges over the killing of a man in Syria.

Independent police force the Defence Serious Crimes Unit is investigating the incident, says the BBC.

The soldiers have not been arrested and it is understood they remain on active duty.

The MoD does not comment on individual investigations, but according to MailOnline, the investigation relates to the killing of a suspected jihadist two years ago.

Officials have accused them of using excessive force against the man, who they believe should instead have been arrested, it reports.

The soldiers reportedly maintain innocence and say the man was a threat as he intended to carry out a suicide attack.

An MoD spokesperson said: “We hold our personnel to the highest standards and any allegations of wrongdoing are taken seriously.

“Where appropriate, any criminal allegations are referred to the Service Police for investigation.”

Islamic State, also known as Daesh, IS, and ISIS, is a global terrorist group that rose to prominence in 2014 when it seized control of large areas of Syria and Iraq.

Following a lengthy military campaign by a coalition of global forces including the UK, it no longer occupies land.

The British government says the UK continues to commit more than 1,000 military personnel to the Syria and Iraq regions “to support counter-Daesh operations”.

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