UK Special Forces Accused of Afghan War Crimes in Inquiry
The Facts
An independent inquiry into the actions of UK Special Forces (UKSF) — including elite units from the Special Air Service, known as the SAS — on Wednesday shed further light on the war crimes allegations facing troops for their conduct while deployed in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013.
The inquiry was launched in 2022 after an investigation by BBC Panorama alleged that special forces carried out a number of extrajudicial killings and covered them up by falsifying reports and planting weapons next to the deceased. Emails showed that superiors were aware of the allegations, but failed to report them.
The Spin
Narrative A
The testimony shared by the inquiry appears to support the allegations that UK Special Forces committed heinous crimes and then covered them up with the help of their superiors. It's hoped that this process will ultimately help get justice for the families of the victims, as well as leading to changes in how these forces operate.
Narrative B
While statements shared by the inquiry appear to highlight questionable behavior, none of the witnesses were themselves witnesses to the crimes, but rather heard of the allegations from other soldiers they served with. This makes it hear-say and is therefore unlikely to result in any meaningful action being taken.
