( CNN ) -- Formal charges are expected against seven Royal Marines who were arrested this week on suspicion of murder involving an incident in Afghanistan in 2011 , a British Ministry of Defense spokesman said . Read more : Q & A : International troops in Afghanistan . The arrests were made after an incident in Helmand province , the spokesman said . All seven are in the UK and will proceed through a military court system that mirrors the civilian legal system . Read more : Afghan war is not over yet . The incident occurred after an engagement with an insurgent , and no civilians were involved , the spokesman said . Those arrested were part of Operation Herrick 14 , as Britain 's efforts in Afghanistan are known . The operation they were carrying out at the time did not involve any special forces , the spokesman said . Read more : By the numbers : Memorial Day and veterans . `` The investigation will now be taken forward and dealt with by the Service Justice system , '' the spokesman said . `` These arrests demonstrate the Department and the Armed Forces ' determination to ensure UK personnel act in accordance with their Rules of Engagement and our standards . '' The military will review the serious incident to identify lessons learned , the spokesman said .
Seven Royal Marines are under arrest on suspicion of murder . The charges involve an incident in Afghanistan 's Helmand province in 2011 . Score: 6