MoD reveals incidents involving 10 soldiers are under investigation after trying to keep figures secret. Nine special forces troops are facing prosecution over alleged war crimes committed in Syria, the government has revealed, with another member of the armed forces under investigation over their actions in Afghanistan.
The Ministry of Defence has said the prosecuting authority for the armed forces – known as the Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA) – has been considering the cases of the 10 individuals over at least three separate incidents, though it would not say what those were.
The figures were included in a freedom of information response to reporters at the Times, after an internal review forced reluctant officials to publish them. 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.”. The details have been revealed amid a separate public inquiry into whether British special forces unlawfully killed dozens of Taliban fighters held in captivity in Afghanistan.
The newspaper made the request after reports emerged that five members of the SAS had been accused of committing war crimes in Syria more than two years ago, and could face court martial. The soldiers were alleged to have shot dead a suspected terrorist whom they said they thought was about to carry out a suicide attack.
