Special Boat Service commando ‘faces murder investigation over shooting of Libyan terrorist’
Special Boat Service (SBS) soldiers may face murder charges over the death of a suspected terrorist in Libya, it is said.
The incident, which was part of a covert operation by British special forces in the war-torn North African country, is under investigation by the military police.
SBS sources told MailOnline the soldiers were deployed to Libya two years ago when up to five elite soldiers were involved in a car chase that ended with their vehicles circling the suspect’s car.
Shots were then allegedly fired into the vehicle, killing the driver.
According to the Daily Mail, the Ministry of Defense Serious Crime Unit has launched a criminal investigation into claims that the suspect could have been arrested.
While it has not yet been determined what charges the soldiers face, it has been reported that murder charges have not been ruled out.
The business conducted by SBS is highly confidential – Crown
The revelation comes as an independent investigation into SAS troops in Afghanistan is ongoing. The agency is investigating reports that members of the special forces killed up to 80 civilians in suspected nighttime raids between 2010 and 2013.
A hearing last year told a hearing last year that former defense secretary Sir Ben Wallace knew allegations that SAS killed Afghan civilians were “substantially accurate” four years before he ordered a public inquiry.
The investigation is also exploring whether a special forces unit known as UKSF1 had a policy of executing “combat-age” personnel who posed no threat in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013.
Sir Ben Wallace knew about allegations the SAS killed Afghan civilians four years before he ordered a public inquiry – Heathcliff O’Malley, hearing heard
Afghan families have accused the SAS of conducting a “murderous campaign” against civilians, while senior Defense Department officials and personnel “attempted to prevent an adequate investigation.”
A spokesman for the Ministry of Defense said: “Our British personnel are respected around the world for the highest standards and anyone who fails to meet these standards will be subject to action, including discretionary dismissal.”
