BBC Panorama investigation has uncovered that UK Special Forces may have obstructed the resettlement applications of elite Afghan soldiers, known as the “Triples,” who fought alongside them against the Taliban. Leaked documents suggest that despite possessing compelling evidence of their service, hundreds of these Afghan commandos had their applications for relocation to the UK rejected after the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. The Ministry of Defence has announced an independent review of about 2,000 applications in light of these revelations.
Elite units CF 333 and ATF 444, integral in the fight against the Taliban and at significant risk of reprisal following the militant group’s resurgence, found their applications for the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (Arap) scheme denied. This scheme was intended as a safe haven for Afghans at risk due to their service with British forces. Documents indicate that all applications from these units were vetted by UK Special Forces, leading to automatic rejections if sponsorship was denied. This process has been criticized for potential conflicts of interest, especially as UK Special Forces actions in Afghanistan are under scrutiny by a public inquiry for alleged war crimes.
The Armed Forces Minister, James Heappey, has acknowledged the need for a review, admitting the decision-making process was not always robust. The rejections have had dire consequences for the applicants, with reports of beatings, torture, and killings by the Taliban.
Armed Forces Minister James Heappey cited the lack of comprehensive employment and payment records as a partial reason for the denial of Triples’ applications, a claim that has been challenged by those with direct experience working alongside the Afghan units. Contrary to Heappey’s statement, former military personnel have attested to the existence of detailed records documenting the payments made directly to the Afghan forces for their service, skills, rank, and participation in operations.
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