Britain's Special Air Service troops are increasingly avoiding missions that could involve killing due to concerns about potential war crimes charges in a public inquiry that has been going on for almost four years.
The Telegraph reported that while there were no outright refusals to deploy, some SAS members were now "less inclined" to volunteer for dangerous operations due to potential investigations.
The inquiry, chaired by Lord Justice Sir Charles Haddon-Cave, is looking into allegations SAS soldiers executed detainees during night raids in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013, with claims of a cover-up and inadequate military police investigations. The Ministry of Defense established the investigation in December 2022 following a BBC Panorama investigation.
Defense Secretary Wes Streeting publicly backed the troops, suggesting he would not drop the inquiry despite speculation. The battalion also faces other challenges, including investigating a past murder in Syria and ramping up parole applications, which insiders warn could threaten national security.
Lawfare is cited as a factor in these departures, with concerns about experienced officers leaving for more prestigious careers.