UK Special Troops Face Potential War Crimes Prosecution

Nine U.K. special forces members are under investigation for alleged war crimes in Syria, while a separate case involves a member of the armed forces in Afghanistan.

The data, originally obtained through a Freedom of Information request by The Times, reveals that two cases are currently under review by the Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA), the military’s counterpart to the Crown Prosecution Service. One case involves a single individual, while the other involves eight individuals.

Details about these cases, including whether they pertain to singular or multiple incidents, have not been disclosed. The allegations reportedly concern actions taken during operations against Islamic State (IS) militants.

Last March 2024, it was revealed that five SAS soldiers were under investigation over an incident in Syria more than two years ago, involving allegations of potential war crimes. The incident stemmed from an operation in which a suspected jihadist was killed. His body was found near a primed bomb vest, though he was not wearing it at the time of his death.

The soldiers are alleged to have used excessive force, with superiors claiming that they should have arrested the man rather than killing him. The soldiers, in turn, claimed the suspect posed a threat and was planning a suicide attack.

It remains unclear whether this case is the same as the one involving eight individuals, as previously reported.

In addition to the Syria cases, the SPA is reviewing a case involving an individual’s conduct in Afghanistan.

The Ministry of Defence declined to comment on the ongoing investigations but said that the U.K. personnel are held to the highest standards and that any misconduct will be addressed, including dismissal where necessary.