The Inquiry into allegations of severe war crimes involving a campaign of murder by UK Special Forces in Afghanistan, which was purportedly known and permitted by Senior Officers and the MOD, unravels a harrowing narrative of civilian deaths, potential cover-ups, and an organizational culture that enabled sustained, egregious violations of human rights, with the bereaved families seeking justice amidst institutional obfuscation and delayed inquiries.

Brian Altman, representing the Ministry of Defence, underscored the UK Armed Forces’ commitment to legal standards and operational integrity in Afghanistan, while Paul Greaney highlighted the Royal Military Police’s role in maintaining accountability and addressing allegations against military personnel, with both emphasizing respect for lives lost and adherence to international obligations.

On the first day of the Independent Inquiry Relating to Afghanistan, Lord Justice Haddon-Cave and Oliver Glasgow KC highlighted allegations of extrajudicial killings by UK Special Forces between 2010-2013, with Glasgow outlining seven crucial cases and emphasizing the Inquiry’s commitment to unveiling the truth and ensuring justice.

A UK inquiry into alleged war crimes by British forces in Afghanistan will conduct some sessions in private, following a decision by the chair, Sir Charles Haddon-Cave.

Ben Roberts-Smith, a highly decorated soldier, is at the center of a high-profile defamation case in Australia, accused of war crimes. The trial, the first of its kind in the country, has significant legal and cultural implications.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stated that no British military personnel are “above the law” amid allegations of unlawful killings by the SAS in Afghanistan, following a recent AOAV and BBC Panorama investigation.