Should SAS soldiers face murder investigations over killings during missions against ISIS?
British soldiers are subject to UK criminal law, including murder, on overseas operations, and killings in combat are investigated by the service police where credible allegations arise. Five SAS soldiers were arrested on suspicion of murder over a 2022 Syria raid in which two alleged ISIS-linked teenagers were shot dead. Reports published in October 2026 say a self-defence recommendation was overruled, the men were released after 48 hours and then endured a roughly three-year investigation. They have now complained to the Defence Serious Crime Unit about its handling, and the defence secretary has asked it to consider those concerns.
3 Opinions
All military engagements are subject to Rules of Engagement (RoE). When they are breached, multiple people in the command structure must be held responsible and accountable. Only other soldiers, with a clear understanding of the physical and mental effects of mortal peril, are qualified to do that. One of the very few times an organisation has to mark its own homework,
Obviously the quoted situation needed to be investigated. But for 3 years? That is far too long for this type of investigation. I don't know what happened there, yet even to me, being in that heightened awareness situation, split second decision, would be frightening. It bothers me that even though it happened on foreign soil, our police are investigating. I would prefer this type of investigation be done by the military, who'd understand their situation better.
War is very different to peace time and our troops should have a level of protection. However when overstepping the mark there should be investigations, potentially leading to prosecution and justice, but through military police and courts that understand the context of military operations, not press, ambulance chasers and publicity seeking political campaigners.