Five members of the British Special Air Service are facing scrutiny over claims of wrongful killings in Syria, amid assertions of rigor in handling misconduct within the UK military. Meanwhile, Prince Miteb bin Abdullah of Saudi Arabia battles accusations of corruption tied to UK defence contracts, spotlighting complex international defence and diplomatic ties.
Five members of the British Special Air Service (SAS) are under investigation over allegations of war crimes related to the killing of a man in Syria. The incident, which took place two years prior, involved the soldiers allegedly using excessive force against an individual suspected of being a jihadist bomber. The investigation is being conducted by the Defence Serious Crimes Unit. Despite the allegations, the soldiers have not been arrested and are currently on active duty. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has emphasized its seriousness in dealing with allegations of wrongdoing, entrusting the Service Police with the investigation. The soldiers involved have defended their actions, asserting that the man posed a threat due to his purported plans for a suicide attack.
Islamic State (IS), or Daesh, mentioned in the context of this event, is a terrorist organization that rose to prominence in 2014. It managed to capture parts of Syria and Iraq before losing significant territory due to international military efforts. The UK has been actively involved in the global coalition against IS, with over 1,000 military personnel stationed in Syria and Iraq to participate in counter-Daesh operations. The MoD has refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigation, underscoring its commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct among British military personnel.
In a separate development, Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, a key figure in Saudi Arabia’s political landscape and once a candidate for the throne, has found himself embroiled in corruption allegations. Accused of illegally profiting from UK defence contracts, Prince Miteb purportedly amassed considerable wealth through his influence within the Saudi national guard. His fortunes waned following a power struggle within the Saudi royal family. In 2017, as part of an anti-corruption campaign led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prince Miteb was arrested along with other high-profile Saudis. He was released three weeks later after admitting to corruption charges and paying a substantial fine. Currently, Prince Miteb’s whereabouts are uncertain.
Prince Miteb’s connections extend beyond Saudi Arabia; he is a Sandhurst graduate with established ties to British royals and officials, highlighting the intricate web of military and diplomatic relationships between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. His case reflects the broader themes of power dynamics, wealth, and international relations within the Saudi royal family.
