Charges have been dismissed against a Camp Pendleton Marine sniper accused in the shooting deaths of two Syrians in Iraq.

The Marine Corps announced Thursday that the charges against Sgt. John Winnick II have been dismissed without prejudice by the commanding general of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. That means charges could be brought again later.

Winnick had been charged with two counts of voluntary manslaughter and failing to adhere to the military’s rules of engagement by firing without reasonable certainty that his targets were hostile.

Winnick has testified that he believed he was protecting his fellow Marines.