More than 100 serving Special Forces troops 'persecuted by human rights lawyers' in legal 'witch hunt'

Operations conducted in Northern Ireland, Afghanistan and Syria are under examination by solicitors, with those involved risking legal penalties should they refuse to cooperate.

Among the 242 Special Forces personnel subject to these probes, approximately 120 remain active military personnel, representing 55 per cent of those affected.

The investigations encompass a combination of accused individuals and witnesses connected to classified missions spanning multiple conflict zones.

The leaked document reveals a deeply troubling human toll, disclosing that two suicide interventions have occurred among those caught up in the legal proceedings.

Personnel have been signing off from duty in protest at what they perceive as persecution, according to the memo's contents.

A former SAS officer, currently subject to investigation, told The Daily Mail: "The mood is vociferous, everyone has had enough. For these endless legal probes to be being pursued at this time just sums up what Britain's priorities are".

He added that American Special Forces counterparts were "dismayed" by the treatment of British troops, saying: "They can't believe we are being put through this - and everything takes so long. It is an endless gravy train for lawyers, only they benefit".

The memo outlines the legal mechanisms compelling cooperation, with Rule 9 requests demanding witnesses provide relevant documents or written statements.

Should individuals decline these requests, Section 21 orders are enacted, forcing them to give evidence and attend hearings – ignoring such orders constitutes a criminal offence.

Regarding Afghanistan specifically, a public inquiry is examining allegations that SAS troops executed scores of surrendered and disarmed Afghans during night raids between 2010 and 2014.

The memo suggests this inquiry could progress to criminal investigations into alleged murders and other offences.

Veterans maintain the evidence underpinning these accusations is "extremely weak" and should not reach the threshold required for prosecution.

According to those affected, the allegations originated internally, with one reportedly coming from a civilian worker based at the SAS headquarters in Hereford.

Veterans have already amassed more than £1million to cover their legal expenses in response to the investigations.

The memo highlights an emerging dispute between the SAS Regimental Association and the Government concerning Labour's Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, which replaces the Conservative Legacy Act but lacks equivalent legal protections for troops.

The document stated: "The government is the key driver of this. Our colleagues are being hounded by our own Government."

The Ministry of Defence responded by expressing pride in the Armed Forces' contribution to national security.

"We are fully committed to supporting the Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan as its work continues," the MoD said.

On Northern Ireland, the department stated the Troubles Bill delivers "six real, workable protections for veterans that the failed Legacy Act never did".