Inquiry Reveals Disturbing Allegations Against U.K. Special Forces in Afghanistan

Testimonies from an ongoing inquiry into the actions of British special forces in Afghanistan have raised serious allegations of war crimes, suggesting a disturbing culture within elite military units that prioritized body counts over ethical considerations.

British special forces soldiers reportedly employed brutal tactics against suspected militants in Afghanistan, according to recently released testimony from an official inquiry into alleged war crimes. Evidence presented on Wednesday included accounts of extreme measures, such as the execution of unarmed individuals and a chilling practice where troops declared “all fighting-age males are killed” on operations, irrespective of perceived threats.

The inquiry, initiated by Britain’s Ministry of Defense in 2022, sought to investigate claims of malfeasance by British forces operating in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013. In 2023, the focus narrowed specifically to special forces troops. Released documents, comprising extensive emails, letters, and witness statements from both high-ranking officers and enlisted personnel, reveal a disturbing landscape of impunity for an elite fighting unit, where body counts became the key performance metric.

One soldier described the environment in which British troops felt “beyond reproach” during the extended conflict, likening it to a “golden pass allowing them to get away with murder.” While the identities of the witnesses remain undisclosed, the extensive redactions in the statements and documents indicate the sensitivity surrounding the inquiry.

The allegations have sparked a renewed focus on the accountability of military operations and the imperative of upholding ethical standards in combat zones. As the inquiry continues, questions arise about the broader implications of these revelations for the reputation and conduct of the U.K. armed forces.