Inquiry Reveals Alarming Allegations Against UK Special Forces in Afghanistan

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An ongoing public inquiry has uncovered startling allegations regarding the conduct of UK Special Air Service (SAS) soldiers during operations in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2013. The inquiry, which began in 2023 and was ordered by the Ministry of Defence, follows reports that SAS troops may have been involved in extrajudicial killings, with one soldier raising concerns about the unit's apparent immunity from accountability.

During the inquiry, evidence was presented by seven special forces witnesses in a closed session, emphasizing apprehensions about the killing of Afghans suspected of being insurgents, including individuals who posed no immediate threat. One soldier recounted an email from 2011 expressing discontent with the perception that the SAS operated with a "golden pass" allowing them to evade consequences for alleged murders.

Details emerged about the practice of "dropped weapons," where munitions were placed near deceased individuals to suggest they were armed at the time of their deaths. This method was referenced as "Mr Wolf," a term some witnesses attributed to the character from the film Pulp Fiction, although most maintained they had not seen the film.

Testimonies revealed that concerns about the treatment of "fighting age males" during night raids were raised, with reports suggesting that these individuals were systematically killed, even when unarmed. One witness described extreme measures, including the use of a pillow to silence a victim prior to shooting.

Despite the gravity of these allegations, witnesses indicated that none had directly observed such actions. However, one witness shared the anxiety regarding personal safety following the reporting of similar claims within the military hierarchy.

The inquiry seeks to clarify whether there is credible evidence of unlawful killings and whether previous investigations by military police were adequately conducted. While past inquiries have not resulted in prosecutions, the current proceedings aim to bring transparency to these serious allegations.

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