The British Army has launched an investigation into footage circulating on social media that appears to show servicemen using a photo of Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn as target practice, The Independent reported.
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In the 25-second Snapchat video, at least four alleged soldiers are seen firing handguns at the image of Corbyn, with the caption “happy with that”.
Video has emerged of soldiers on a shooting range in Kabul firing at a target of Jeremy Corbyn. MOD confirms it as legit: pic.twitter.com/qOr84Aiivj
— Alistair Bunkall (@AliBunkallSKY) 3 апреля 2019 г.
“We are aware of a video circulating on social media. This behaviour is totally unacceptable and falls well below the high standards the Army expects, and a full investigation has been launched”, The Independent cited an Army spokesperson as saying.
According to the media outlet, the clip was purportedly filmed recently in Kabul, Afghanistan and features members of an elite parachute regiment.
The range is in the loft of New Kabul Compound in Afghanistan. Soldiers practice 'guardian angel' drills here — protecting VIPs.
— Alistair Bunkall (@AliBunkallSKY) 3 апреля 2019 г.
There are images of celebrities on the range, but as VIPs to be protected rather than shot at.
— Alistair Bunkall (@AliBunkallSKY) 3 апреля 2019 г.
While the authenticity of the footage has yet to be verified, it has caused outrage on social media, with many calling to discharge the servicemen in question:
This cannot be tolerated.
— BLEU Ferret 🐳 (@Ferretgrove) 3 апреля 2019 г.
Brief investigation.
Dishonourable discharge.https://t.co/6VkPLBXxUD
This is disgusting no matter what your political persuasion is.
— Paul Cassidy (@pcassidy_UK) 3 апреля 2019 г.
We expect our armed forces, police and civil servants to rise above party politics but this is something much more serious.
— BLEU Ferret 🐳 (@Ferretgrove) 3 апреля 2019 г.
This comes just a month after Corbyn was brutally egged during a visit to Finsbury Park mosque and Muslim Welfare House by an ardent Brexiteer, who reportedly yelled “respect the vote”.
Corbyn’s five demands to change the political declaration negotiated by Brussels and London included a “permanent and comprehensive customs union with the bloc” and “close alignment with the single market underpinned by shared institutions and obligations”.