Royal Marines Arrests Made After Footage Of 'Injured Taliban Found On Laptop'

Footage Of 'Injured Taliban' On Laptop Led To Royal Marine Arrests
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Seven Royal Marines were arrested on suspicion of murder in Afghanistan after footage of them with an injured man was discovered on a laptop, Sky News has reported.

The laptop was only looked at as part of a separate arrest. However police investigating found a short film which appeared to show royal marines with an injured member of the Taliban.

Conversation in the background shows the men discussing what to do with the man. Sky News said the footage did not show whether the men were responsible for the injuries.

The Royal Military Police made the arrests earlier on Friday in connection with an incident which occurred after "an engagement with an insurgent", the MoD said.

No civilians were involved and an investigation has now been launched by the Service Justice System.

An MoD spokesman said: "The Royal Military Police have today arrested seven Royal Marines on suspicion of murder. The arrests relate to an incident in Afghanistan in 2011.

"The incident followed an engagement with an insurgent; there were no civilians involved. The investigation will now be taken forward and dealt with by the service justice system.

"These arrests demonstrate the Department and the Armed Forces' determination to ensure UK personnel act in accordance with their rules of engagement and our standards.

"It would be inappropriate to make any further comment while the investigation is under way."