Five SAS soldiers being investigated over the death of a suspected jihadi may have to wait a year before learning if they will be charged with murder.
The troops and their families are being forced to endure a lengthy, nerve-wracking delay while detectives and legal officials make further inquiries into the shooting.
The delay has angered colleagues who have accused top brass of ‘abandoning’ them.
Yesterday, the Mail revealed how the Special Air Service soldiers face a possible court martial over the incident in Syria two years ago.
Top brass have alleged the troops used excessive force and should have arrested the man instead, while the soldiers maintain he intended to carry out a suicide attack.
Five SAS soldiers being investigated over the death of a suspected jihadi may have to wait a year before learning if they will be charged with murder (file image of SAS troops)
The Mail revealed how the Special Air Service soldiers (badge pictured)m face a possible court martial over the incident in Syria two years ago
Taliban take to the streets during a national holiday celebrating the first anniversary of the Taliban takeover on August 15, 2022 in Kabul, Afghanistan
According to SAS sources, a primed suicide vest was found nearby but the suspect was not wearing it when he was killed.
The Mail has learned the five troops have not been arrested, and recently gave voluntary evidence to the Defence Serious Crimes Unit (DCSU).
But an SAS source suggested the stress of the case could cause them to be withdrawn from frontline operations. They said: ‘A year is a very long time to have something like this hanging over you.
‘The case will always be there, in the background, it could affect their willingness to pull the trigger should they find themselves in such a situation.
‘That could mean they’re asked to sit out a mission or perform another role within the SAS, such as assessing candidates attempting to pass selection.’
Today it can be revealed that the DCSU investigation was sparked by a tip-off from senior officers at the headquarters of United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF).
The source added: ‘They’ve been exposed and abandoned by UKSF chiefs who want to look whiter than white.’
Their cases have emerged as a High Court public inquiry continues into claims SAS soldiers executed as many as 80 Taliban suspects in custody in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2013.
Lord Justice Haddon-Cave is expected to report this autumn on whether he believes war crimes took place and whether they were adequately investigated at the time.
His report could trigger a fresh criminal inquiry into the shootings.
The Mail has been told SAS chiefs are considering a range of responses to the inquiry, including disbanding G Squadron – the sub-unit which conducted many of the most controversial operations.
One of the SAS’s four sabre squadrons, G-Squad was formed in 1965 and recruits many of its soldiers and officers from Guards regiments, hence the name.
It played a leading role in recapturing the Falklands in 1982 and in both Gulf wars. Its former commanders include Field Marshal the Lord Guthrie, a close friend of King Charles. The Ministry of Defence was approached for comment.