FIVE SAS soldiers are reportedly being probed over the death of a Syrian jihadi — and could face possible murder charges.
British military police are investigating claims that the shooting was a war crime.
The man was killed during an operation in Syria two years ago.
It is alleged the five soldiers used excessive force when the suspect terrorist was shot several times.
They are said to have feared he was wearing a suicide vest and intended to carry out an attack on British troops.
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The Daily Mail reports that a primed bomb vest was later found in a nearby building.
The paper reports that the soldiers are alleged by superiors to have used too much force and should have arrested the man instead.
It is unclear if the investigation will lead to prosecution because war crimes convictions of British soldiers are extremely rare.
The Ministry of Defence did not comment directly but defence sources indicated to The Guardian that reports of the probe, which had been circulating for some time, were accurate.
An MoD spokesman 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.”
The five are said to have been allowed to remain in service with the Herefordshire-based regiment while the case is investigated.
The SAS has been deployed in Syria for the past decade in the country’s fight against IS.