Pictures purportedly showing a British serviceman posing with a dead Taliban fighter have emerged via the website Live Leak. The images were taken in the aftermath of an attack on Camp Bastion in September 2012, according to the site, and have led to an investigation by the Ministry of Defence. Two US Marines died in the attack, while a number of British soldiers were injured.
The BBC is reporting that two RAF Regiment members have already been withdrawn from frontline duties as part of the investigation. Two images show a British serviceman kneeling over a corpse, giving a 'thumbs up' sign.
In a statement, An RAF spokesman reiterated their "zero-tolerance policy on the mistreatment of deceased enemy personnel", adding: "We can confirm that the incident is currently subject to an ongoing RAF Police investigation and therefore, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
More from the Press Association:
The RAF Regiment is the ground fighting force of the Royal Air Force. Members of No 51 Squadron RAF Regiment, together with US Marine service personnel and civilian security contractors, defeated the attackers after a four-hour firefight with support from helicopters in what came to be known as the Battle of Bastion.
Last month a report by MPs said British commanders had to "bear a degree of responsibility" for failing to prevent the 2012 raid.
Prince Harry was serving at the base as a member of the Army Air Corps during the time of the attack.