British soldiers arrested for Afghan death

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LONDON, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- The British Defense Ministry said two additional soldiers were arrested in connection with the death of an insurgent in Afghanistan in 2011.

"The Royal Military Police have arrested two further Royal marines on suspicion of murder in relation to an incident alleged to have taken place in Afghanistan in 2011, taking the total number of arrests to nine," the British Ministry of Defense said in a statement. "Four Royal Marines have since been released without charge pending further inquiries."

The Guardian newspaper last week reported that the Defense Ministry was investigating claims by one of their colleagues that the insurgent was killed in violation of the rules of engagement.

Following Friday's initial arrests, the department said it was determined to ensure British personnel act according the rules of military engagement.

The incident is said to have occurred last year in Helmand province between April and September.

The British Ministry of Defense said it would be "inappropriate" to offer specifics related to the incident. No civilians were involved in the confrontation.