Stunning Testimony Alleges UK War Crimes in Afghanistan

A former senior British officer has made explosive claims at a public inquiry. He stated UK special forces appeared to commit war crimes in Afghanistan. The alleged crimes include executing suspects.The inquiry is examining night raids from 2010 to 2013. According to Reuters, the officer said knowledge of these acts was widespread. He claimed nothing was done to stop them at the time.

Inquiry Probes a Decade of Allegations

Britain’s defence ministry ordered this independent inquiry. This followed a major BBC documentary report. That report alleged soldiers from the elite SAS killed 54 people in suspicious circumstances.The inquiry chair is senior judge Charles Haddon-Cave. His goal is clear. He must find if there were unlawful killings and if subsequent investigations were properly conducted.It also examines if a cover-up took place. The cloud of suspicion must be lifted from those who served within the rules. Anyone found to have broken the law must face justice.

A Culture of Suspicion and Rivalry

The officer, known only as N1466, was a high-ranking UK Special Forces staffer in 2011. He grew suspicious reviewing after-action reports. The number of enemies killed often exceeded recovered weapons.Reports claimed detainees repeatedly grabbed weapons after capture. He found these stories not credible. He told the inquiry this pointed to a grim reality.”We are talking about war crimes,” he testified. He believed detainees were taken back to the scene and executed. A pretence of violence was used to justify the acts.

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He raised concerns with the Director of Special Forces. Instead of a criminal investigation, only a tactical review was ordered. The officer expressed deep regret for not going to military police sooner.

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What is this inquiry investigating?

It is examining alleged unlawful killings by UK special forces in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013. The probe is also looking into whether later military police investigations were adequate and if evidence was covered up.

What specific allegations were made?

The former officer testified that detainees were executed on the pretence they used violence against forces. He stated the number of killings did not match recovered weapons, making the official reports implausible.

Has anyone been prosecuted for these alleged crimes?

No. Previous investigations by the Royal Military Police did not find sufficient evidence for prosecutions. This new public inquiry aims to establish the full facts independently.

Why did the officer wait to report his concerns?

He raised issues internally in 2011 but was ignored. He formally reported his suspicions to the military police in 2015, expressing regret for not going to them sooner.

What happens if the inquiry finds evidence of crimes?

Chair Charles Haddon-Cave stated any credible evidence of criminal activity will be referred to the relevant authorities for potential prosecution. The inquiry itself cannot bring charges.