A recent inquiry into the actions of British special forces during the Afghanistan conflict has unleashed serious allegations regarding war crimes and a disturbing mindset contributing to extrajudicial killings.
UK Special Forces Under Fire for Alleged War Crimes in Afghanistan
UK Special Forces Under Fire for Alleged War Crimes in Afghanistan
Inquiry reveals troubling accounts of extreme violence and a culture of impunity among British troops.
The inquiry, launched by Britain's Ministry of Defense in 2022, sought to address claims of war crimes committed by British armed forces in Afghanistan between the years 2010 and 2013. Testimonies emerged revealing chilling details of tactics employed by special forces, with claims that all "fighting-age males" on target were deemed fair game, regardless of their actual threat level. One harrowing account revealed a specific instance where soldiers reportedly covered a man with a pillow and shot him at point-blank range.
The inquiry has shared hundreds of pages of evidence, including emails, letters, and statements from military personnel, depicting an elite force that prioritizes its body count over adherence to the rules of engagement. One soldier described the environment within the unit as one where they felt “beyond reproach,” granting them "a golden pass allowing them to get away with murder."
The anonymity of the witnesses has been safeguarded, with many documents heavily redacted to protect identities and operational security. These findings have raised critical concerns about transparency and accountability within the military, as the inquiry continues to scrutinize the conduct of British special forces during a protracted and turbulent conflict.
The inquiry has shared hundreds of pages of evidence, including emails, letters, and statements from military personnel, depicting an elite force that prioritizes its body count over adherence to the rules of engagement. One soldier described the environment within the unit as one where they felt “beyond reproach,” granting them "a golden pass allowing them to get away with murder."
The anonymity of the witnesses has been safeguarded, with many documents heavily redacted to protect identities and operational security. These findings have raised critical concerns about transparency and accountability within the military, as the inquiry continues to scrutinize the conduct of British special forces during a protracted and turbulent conflict.
