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British military launches probe after video emerges of soldiers using image of Jeremy Corbyn as target practice

By Lucia Suarez Sang Fox News
Published | Updated
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A video on social media purportedly shows British soldiers in Afghanistan using a photo of Labour Party leader as target practice. (Stefan Rousseau/Pool Photo via AP)

The British military launched an investigation Wednesday after a video emerged on social media purportedly showing soldiers using a picture of Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn for target practice.

The video, which first appeared on Snapchat and was verified by the military, shows members of the Parachute Regiment in Afghanistan shooting at a target. Once the soldiers are done shooting, the image shifts to their target – a large picture of Corbyn, Britain’s main opposition leader.

It is understood the soldiers were using “simunition” rounds, not bullets; however, multiple holes can be seen in the picture of Corbyn. The video carries the caption “happy with that.”

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“There are a number of different posters used as targets on that range, but the use of this poster obviously shows poor judgment,” a military source told The Guardian.

The British Army said they are aware of the video circulating on social media.

“This behavior is totally unacceptable and falls well below the high standards the army expects,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “A full investigation has been launched.”

Labour defense spokeswoman Nia Griffith tweeted that the video was "shocking and completely unacceptable." She said it was "right that the Army is carrying out a full investigation."

Corbyn, a veteran socialist, has often been critical of British military campaigns overseas. He is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday for talks to solve the deadlock in the House of Commons over the Brexit agreement deal.

Conservative lawmaker Tom Tugendhat, a former soldier, said the video was "disgraceful."

Politicians have reported increased threats and fears for their safety amid heightened tensions over Brexit.

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Last month, a man angry about Brexit was sentenced to 28 days in prison for hitting Corbyn with an egg.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.