Overview

• The Ministry of Defence confirmed no charges will be brought against the five soldiers over the killing of a suspected Islamic State operative in Syria.
• The Royal Military Police launched an investigation after the soldiers opened fire during a nighttime pursuit when suspects broke through a cordon around a jihadist compound.
• Troops had reviewed footage showing the man boasting of suicide attacks and wearing a vest that was later recovered near the scene of the shooting.
• Files sent to the Service Prosecuting Authority prompted an 18-month review before prosecutors recommended that the case be dropped.
• Observers say the inquiry has served as a test of balancing rigorous accountability with the split-second decisions demanded of special forces in combat.