Five former members of the British Special Air Service (SAS) were arrested in 2022 on suspicion of unlawfully killing two teenage Islamic State (IS) operatives during a mission in Syria, a case that has raised concerns about its impact on national security and military morale. The soldiers faced a three-year criminal investigation but continued to be deployed on operations during that period before eventually being cleared of the allegations.
The incident occurred in July 2022 when the SAS unit was conducting a raid in Deir ez-Zor, Syria, aimed at capturing a senior IS commander. During the operation, the soldiers encountered two teenage boys who refused to surrender. Believing their own lives were at risk, the soldiers shot and killed the pair, who were later identified as working for IS despite being unarmed at the time. The Royal Military Police (RMP) subsequently arrested the five soldiers at their covert bases in Syria and Iraq and later searched their homes in the UK. They were informed they could face life sentences if convicted.
The SAS Regimental Association (SASRA), which represents current and former members of the unit, criticized the prolonged investigation as detrimental to soldiers’ mental well-being, legal rights, morale, and career prospects. In statements, SASRA warned that such criminal inquiries into combat actions undermine operational readiness and erode “the will to fight,” potentially threatening national security. The association linked the situation to difficulties in retaining experienced personnel and recruiting new members, describing the treatment of the soldiers as akin to being considered part of a “criminal organisation.” All five soldiers have since left the military.
Brigadier Ed Butler, president of SASRA, voiced concerns earlier this year about repeated “witch hunts” targeting serving soldiers, suggesting these actions harm recruitment efforts and military effectiveness, particularly in the context of global threats. The association has called for policy reforms to prevent similar incidents from disrupting military operations in the future and has provided legal support to the affected individuals.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) emphasized that all personnel are entitled to fair and professional investigations and stated that processes exist to address any concerns responsibly. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has acknowledged the issues raised, although he has not met with the soldiers or their legal representatives. Meanwhile, debate continues over the implications of legislative changes, such as the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, which some campaigners fear may increase the risk of prosecutions against military veterans.
The case highlights tensions between holding soldiers accountable for combat actions and maintaining morale and effectiveness within elite military units operating in complex counterterrorism environments.