A significant number of former British special forces personnel have come forward with allegations of war crimes committed by UK troops during operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. These claims, brought to light through a BBC Panorama investigation, detail instances of unlawful killings, including the execution of detainees and unarmed civilians, some of whom were reportedly children.
Allegations of Unlawful Killings
More than 30 veterans have provided testimonies describing a pattern of extrajudicial killings carried out by members of the Special Air Service (SAS) and the Special Boat Service (SBS). According to these accounts, detainees were routinely executed during night raids, with some victims being handcuffed at the time of their deaths. One veteran recounted an incident where a young boy, clearly under the age of combatants, was handcuffed and shot.
The testimonies also suggest that some soldiers developed a “mob mentality,” displaying “lawless” behavior with “serious psychopathic traits.” There are reports of troops becoming “intoxicated” by the act of killing, with some aiming to achieve a kill on every operation. In certain cases, weapons were allegedly planted on the bodies of the deceased to fabricate justifications for the killings.
Evidence of a Cover-Up
The allegations extend beyond the battlefield, implicating higher levels of the military hierarchy in potential cover-ups. Veterans claim that post-operation reports were falsified to conceal unlawful killings. Furthermore, there are assertions that senior commanders were aware of these practices but failed to take corrective action. Former Prime Minister David Cameron was reportedly warned about such incidents during his tenure, although his spokesperson has denied any knowledge of specific events.
Ongoing Investigations
In response to these allegations, the UK Ministry of Defence has initiated an independent statutory inquiry to investigate the conduct of British armed forces during operations in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013. The inquiry, chaired by Lord Justice Haddon-Cave, aims to examine the adequacy of the Ministry’s response to these concerns and assess what lessons can be learned.
However, the inquiry has faced delays, with hearings into the alleged war crimes by the SAS in Afghanistan postponed into 2025. The Ministry of Defence has cited the need for additional time to supply necessary documents, despite allocating £21 million to support the investigation.
International and Domestic Reactions
The United Nations special rapporteur has emphasized the need for accountability and justice for the victims. Domestically, there is growing pressure on the UK government to ensure a transparent and thorough investigation. Advocacy groups and legal experts have called for all credible allegations to be subject to effective, prompt, and independent investigations, with prosecutions pursued where appropriate.
These revelations have reignited debates about the conduct of British forces during overseas operations and the mechanisms in place to hold them accountable. As the inquiry progresses, the testimonies of these veterans may play a crucial role in uncovering the truth and ensuring justice for the victims of these alleged war crimes.
Source; Al Jazeera
