Special Boat Service troops are facing possible murder charges over the death of a suspected terrorist in Libya, the Mail can reveal.
The incident being investigated by military police occurred as part of secret UK Special Forces operations in the war-torn North African state.
According to an SBS source, up to five elite troops were involved in a car chase which ended with the vehicles they were driving ‘circling’ the suspect’s vehicle.
The SBS men then fired shots into the vehicle, killing its occupant. The incident has never previously been reported.
A criminal investigation by the Defence Serious Crimes Unit was launched over claims the suspect could have been arrested instead.
The Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA) will decide whether to pursue criminal cases against the men. The Mail understands murder charges have not been ruled out.
The troops are based at the SBS’s headquarters in Poole, Dorset, and had deployed to Libya on a covert mission two years ago.
The murder probe has emerged at a troubled time for the Special Forces.
According to an SBS source, up to five elite troops were involved in a car chase which ended with the vehicles they were driving ‘circling’ the suspect’s vehicle (stock image)
A criminal investigation by the Defence Serious Crimes Unit was launched over claims the suspect could have been arrested instead (stock image)
The incident being investigated by military police occurred as part of secret UK Special Forces operations in the war-torn North African state. Pictured: Special Boat Service cap badge
An ongoing High Court inquiry has heard that as many as 80 Taliban suspects, including children, were executed in custody by Special Air Service (SAS) troops in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2013.
Separately, five serving SAS soldiers are facing possible murder charges over the death of a suspected jihadi in Syria, as exclusively revealed by the Mail in March last year.
In a case that has provoked fury inside the SAS, military police have alleged the soldiers used excessive force and should have arrested the man instead.
The troops insisted he intended to carry out an attack using a suicide vest packed with explosives. A primed device was found nearby.
The Mail can reveal today that, in addition to the five SAS soldiers, three officers face charges over how the incident was handled within the regiment.
Military police are considering whether the officers’ conduct amounted to an attempt to ‘cover up’ aspects of the shooting.
Meanwhile, tomorrow, two serving SAS soldiers are due to appear at a magistrates’ court after being charged with drug dealing.
The investigation into the shooting by SBS troops provides the first confirmation of the recent presence of UK Special Forces in Libya.
The troops are based at the SBS’s headquarters in Poole, Dorset, and had deployed to Libya on a covert mission two years ago (stock image)
Separately, five serving SAS soldiers are facing possible murder charges over the death of a suspected jihadi in Syria. Pictured: Badge of the Special Air Service Regiment
The country’s fractured political situation has been exploited by jihadis belonging to groups such as Al Qaeda, in particular in the southern Fezzan region. Confirmed counter-terrorism efforts have included US air strikes.
The UK Government has described the security situation in Libya as ‘fragile’. The investigations into the recent incidents in Syria and Libya have raised concerns that the welfare of soldiers on the battlefield is being taken for granted.
Rank-and-file troops have interpreted the cases as attempts by commanders to put the letter of the law before the soldiers’ safety.
The Libya incident is the first ‘murder’ case to come to light involving the SBS, which recruits mainly from the Royal Marines. The unit is distinct from the SAS.
A source told the Mail: ‘As the High Court inquiry into the alleged SAS shoot-to-kill campaign in Afghanistan from 2010
to 2013 continues, the current generation of commanders want to distance themselves from past misdemeanours.
‘That is a noble ambition, however, the pendulum could swing too far in the opposite direction. There must be protection in law for those who risk their lives to defend this country.
‘Woe betide any senior officers should they seek to further their careers by exposing their soldiers to criminal investigations, and possible charges, that don’t reflect the dangers inherent in anti-terrorist operations.
The troops are based at the SBS’s headquarters in Poole, Dorset, and had deployed to Libya on a covert mission two years ago (stock image)
Lord Justice Haddon-Cave’s inquiry into SAS ‘war crimes’ is expected to report either late this year or in early 2026.
His findings could trigger a fresh criminal inquiry into soldiers who pulled the trigger in Afghanistan and SAS commanders who may have hampered attempts to investigate the shootings.
Last night, the Ministry of Defence said: ‘Our UK personnel are respected worldwide for the highest standards.
‘Action will be taken against anyone that fails to meet these standards, including dismissal from service, where appropriate.’
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