London: Several former members of Britain's elite Special Forces have come forward with harrowing new revelations regarding alleged war crimes committed during British military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The testimonies shed light on a series of disturbing actions, including the killing of civilians, extrajudicial executions, and the targeting of detainees.
According to a BBC Panorama investigation, former SAS personnel disclosed that night raids in Afghanistan frequently involved the killing of unarmed individuals, some of whom were reportedly asleep at the time. The former soldiers alleged that British troops would sometimes remove handcuffs from corpses and plant weapons near the bodies to fabricate the appearance of combat.
The report also reveals that former UK Prime Minister David Cameron, who made multiple visits to Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013, was warned about civilian casualties by then-Afghan President Hamid Karzai. However, Cameron’s spokesperson denied any direct communication concerning misconduct by British forces.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, now in power, described the revelations as clear proof of war crimes committed by NATO and U.S.-led forces. Deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat stated, “For two decades, occupying forces engaged in routine violence against Afghans, and these acts must not be forgotten.”
UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Richard Bennett echoed the demand for accountability, noting the BBC’s findings as further evidence requiring justice for the victims and their families.
In response to growing pressure, General Sir Patrick Sanders, head of the UK’s General Staff, has voiced support for an independent probe. The British government has already launched the Independent Inquiry Relating to Afghanistan in February 2023, tasked with investigating allegations of misconduct by British forces.
