A public inquiry into alleged war crimes by U.K. Special Forces (UKSF) in Afghanistan have released evidence detailing allegations regarding the conduct of British troops during their deployment. The Afghanistan Inquiry, launched in 2022, is reviewing incidents that occurred between 2010 and 2013. On January 8, 2025, the inquiry published a summary of testimonies, including claims of extrajudicial killings, leadership failures, and a culture of impunity within UKSF.
Testimonies from former and serving UKSF personnel described specific incidents of alleged misconduct. One senior officer claimed the SAS operated with a “golden pass” that effectively shielded them from accountability. Witnesses alleged that individuals, including minors, were executed during night raids, with some operations purportedly involving suffocation using pillows before the victims were shot. It was further claimed that the SAS applied an informal policy of targeting all “fighting-age males” on operations, regardless of whether the individuals posed a threat or were armed.
A junior officer recounted a conversation in which an SAS member reportedly admitted to killing a person during such a raid. This officer expressed particular concern about the indiscriminate nature of the alleged killings and the ages of some victims, stating that children as young as 16—or potentially younger—were among those killed.
The inquiry also received evidence suggesting that concerns about potential war crimes had been raised internally. An email from 2011, sent by a senior officer, referred to the SAS and murder as “regular bedfellows” and expressed skepticism about the credibility of official operational accounts. Witnesses claimed that despite these concerns, leadership failed to intervene effectively, allowing questionable practices to continue. Support staff in Afghanistan reportedly doubted SAS reports, but dissent was allegedly suppressed under the rationale of supporting troops on the ground.
Witnesses further described a culture of silence and fear of reprisal within UKSF. One officer characterized the SAS as being perceived as “beyond reproach,” while others testified that superiors discouraged scrutiny of operational conduct. An email submitted to the inquiry warned that ignoring these issues could lead to eventual public exposure, referencing the possibility of leaks similar to WikiLeaks.
Tensions with Afghan counterparts were also highlighted. In February 2011, Afghan special forces officers reportedly accused the SAS of unlawful killings during a contentious meeting. According to an email detailing the incident, the meeting escalated to the point where an Afghan officer brandished a firearm in frustration.
The Afghanistan Inquiry was established following years of investigative reporting, including work by BBC Panorama.
The public inquiry comes after recent news reported that there was a possible investigation into the UK’s Special Boat Service for operations conducted in Libya.
