The British newspaper The Telegraph has reported that the ongoing investigation into allegations that British Special Air Service (SAS) troops unlawfully killed Afghan civilians has affected the morale of some British service personnel and raised concerns within the military.
The investigation, launched in 2023 under the name Operation Northmoor [Hydean Q], is examining allegations that British special forces killed at least 80 unarmed Afghan civilians between 2010 and 2013. Allegations of the destruction of evidence related to these incidents also form part of the inquiry. The investigation is expected to conclude in 2028.
On Thursday, 21 Aqrab, The Telegraph reported that approximately 150 members of the British Special Forces who served in Afghanistan had been called upon to answer questions or submit written evidence as part of the investigation.
According to the newspaper, some military personnel have said that the prolonged nature of the inquiry has prompted certain service members to leave their positions, while others have declined to extend their service. They fear that they could face accusations of war crimes in the future over their involvement in military operations.
The Telegraph has called on the British government to support the country’s special forces and distinguish between personnel who have committed criminal offences and those who are merely being questioned as part of the investigation.
Earlier, a former senior British Army officer admitted that, during the investigation into allegations of war crimes committed by special forces in Afghanistan, he had withheld a number of photographs that could have helped investigators and experts establish a clearer picture of the events.
Writer:Roya Stanikzai
