British troops deployed on an operation (stock picture). (Image: Getty)
Nine elite Special Forces troops could be prosecuted over alleged war crimes in Syria, it has emerged.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that the Service Prosecuting Authority was investigating two separate cases.
The MoD said one case related to just one individual, while one involved eight.
Defence chiefs refused to provide any information on the alleged crimes.
UK Special Forces have been carrying out secret missions in Syria for several years as part of the battle to defeat ISIS.
British troops have carried out secret missions against ISIS in Syria (Image: Getty)
They have helped to identify targets for airstrikes and rescued British children taken to Syria and Iraq.
Troops have also been involved in highly sensitive operations to rescue children taken to the so-called caliphate and bring them back to the UK. There has been no official presence of British troops on the ground in Syria.
But earlier this year, it emerged five SAS soldiers were being investigated over the death of a jihadi in Syria.
Troops are alleged to have found a suspect and a primed suicide vest in a nearby compound.
But they have been accused of using excessive force, as defence top brass believes the suspected terrorist should have been arrested rather than shot.
The Mail reported the five SAS troops had been monitoring a group of jihadis before the suspected terrorists fled.
After a brief gun battle, one of the jihadis was seen lying motionless behind a bush.
SAS soldiers approached his position, and he was shot several times at point-blank range. According to sources, additional rounds were fired because they feared he could detonate a suicide vest.
An MoD spokeswoman said: “Our UK personnel are respected worldwide for the highest standards, and action will be taken against anyone that fails to meet these standards, including dismissal from service, where appropriate. It would be inappropriate to comment further on ongoing investigations.”