UK Special Forces Under Scrutiny for Alleged War Crimes in Afghanistan

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An inquiry into British special forces' actions during the Afghanistan conflict is raising serious concerns about alleged war crimes. The Afghanistan Inquiry, initiated by the UK's Ministry of Defence in 2022, is examining reports of extrajudicial killings and attempts to conceal unlawful activities carried out by elite soldiers, particularly the Special Air Service (SAS) from 2010 to 2013.

Recent testimonies and hundreds of documents released reveal that during operations, British troops reportedly killed unarmed Afghan civilians, including individuals with no perceived threat. One soldier disclosed that "all fighting-age males were killed on target," highlighting a disturbing pattern of behavior during night-time raids known as 'deliberate detention operations.' Some accounts indicate that the methods used for executing detainees included placing a pillow over their heads before shooting.

The inquiry has uncovered evidence suggesting a possible cover-up of these actions, with emails and witness testimonies illustrating concerns among military personnel regarding the conduct of UK forces. An officer's email raised the possibility that SAS soldiers may have intentionally staged scenarios to justify lethal actions, while another acknowledged a "casual disregard for life."

Witnesses have voiced fears about speaking out due to potential repercussions, and some reported feeling uneasy about the presence of military representatives during their testimonies. Currently, the UK Ministry of Defence has refrained from commenting on the allegations, stating it is waiting for the inquiry's outcome.

The situation has drawn parallels to similar accusations against US forces during the Afghan conflict, highlighting ongoing concerns about accountability in military operations.

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