Former UK special forces veterans expose alleged war crimes in Iraq, Afghanistan
UK military personnel are seen onboard an A400M aircraft departing Kabul, Afghanistan August 28, 2021. Jonathan Gifford/UK MOD Crown copyright 2021/PHOTO: REUTERS
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Former members of the UK's elite Special Forces have publicly disclosed accounts of alleged war crimes committed by their colleagues during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In an unprecedented move, these veterans provided eyewitness testimonies to BBC Panorama, detailing incidents of unlawful killings and misconduct by the Special Air Service (SAS) and Special Boat Service (SBS).
The testimonies describe a pattern of executions of unarmed individuals, including children, and the planting of weapons on deceased bodies to fabricate justifications for the killings.
One veteran recounted an incident where a young boy was handcuffed and shot, emphasizing the routine nature of such actions within the units.
Another described witnessing a medic treating a wounded detainee, only for a fellow soldier to execute the individual at close range.
These revelations suggest that the unlawful killings were not isolated incidents but part of a broader culture within the Special Forces.
The veterans reported that higher command structures were aware of these activities and, in some cases, facilitated cover-ups to prevent investigations.
Allegations include the falsification of reports and the suppression of evidence to protect personnel involved in the killings.
The Ministry of Defence has stated its commitment to supporting ongoing public inquiries into these allegations.
However, the testimonies raise significant concerns about accountability and oversight within the UK's military operations.
The public inquiry, led by Lord Justice Haddon-Cave, continues to examine these serious allegations, with further hearings expected in the coming months.
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