Testimony from N2107, a senior figure in the UK’s Special Forces, has alleged a culture of impunity within the Special Air Service (SAS), with senior officers granting what he described as a “golden pass allowing them to get away with murder.” Presented to the Independent Afghanistan Inquiry, this damning statement is part of a broader investigation into allegations of extrajudicial killings and fabricated reports by UK Special Forces during operations in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013.
“Golden Pass to Get Away with Murder”
Central to N2107’s testimony was a damning description of UKSF1’s approach to operations. In an email exchange, N2107 stated: “Whilst murder and UKSF1 have oft been regular bedfellows, this is beginning to look bone.” The phrase underscored concerns about a “golden pass” that allowed UKSF1 to operate with little accountability. When asked about this comment, N2107 confirmed that they were referring to historic allegations against UKSF1 and the apparent patterns of misconduct during deliberate detention operations (DDOs).
The court also heard that N2107 agreed that UKSF seemed “beyond reproach” and with “a golden pass allowing them to get away with murder.”
Questionable Tactics and Reports
N2107 raised alarm over operational summaries (OPSUMs) that described the practice of allowing detainees, referred to as “Bravos,” to return to buildings before re-emerging armed, only to be killed. Describing the tactic as “unsound,” they stated: “It makes no sense to me… You are giving the element of control back to the enemy.”
In one instance, N2107 observed: “I find it quite incredible the amount of Bravos that UKSF1 send back into a building who then decide to get weapons… knowing it will achieve nothing.” This led them to question whether such scenarios were being orchestrated to justify the use of lethal force, effectively creating the conditions for killings to occur under the guise of combat necessity.
Leadership Failures
The testimony also highlighted leadership failings within UKSF1 and the broader chain of command. A colleague, identified as N2349, referred to a “massive failure of leadership” and commented: “There appears to be a casual disregard for life, counterinsurgency principles, and credible reporting.”
N2107 agreed with this assessment, noting that accountability mechanisms seemed ineffective. When concerns were raised by support staff, they were reportedly told to “support the guys on the ground,” rather than question operational decisions.
Allegations of Boasting
Adding to the concerns was a revelation that UKSF1 reportedly boasted about their high kill rates. N2107 recounted an email from N2349, which noted that UKSF1 had “proudly compared” their kill statistics to other units. This, N2107 suggested, reinforced an environment where lethal outcomes were incentivised rather than scrutinised.
Civilian Casualty Allegations
The Afghan Partner Unit (APU) raised serious allegations against UKSF1, including “assassination of innocents” during operations. N2107 acknowledged that these allegations strained relationships with Afghan counterparts and damaged the credibility of UK operations. They remarked on the troubling dynamic that left UKSF1 appearing “beyond reproach.”
“A Culture of Evasion”
Reflecting on the systemic issues, N2107 concluded that a lack of oversight and a permissive culture allowed such practices to persist. Despite raising concerns through private correspondence, they expressed regret for not escalating the matter further up the chain of command. “In hindsight… I regret that decision,” they admitted.
The Inquiry’s Challenge
As the Independent Afghanistan Inquiry examines these allegations, the testimony of N2107 offers a stark view of the challenges in ensuring accountability within elite military units. The “golden pass” described by the witness encapsulates a broader issue of impunity, raising questions about whether such practices were isolated incidents or reflective of systemic failings.
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