A high-profile spate of similar incidents involving Afghan detainees suggests that British soldiers systematically shot dozens of unarmed people in 2010 and 2011.
As the BBC reports, there are “remarkably similar reports”. It is always said that after their arrest, men tried to pull weapons or grenades from behind curtains or furniture and were then shot in self-defense. The murders allegedly took place as part of so-called “kill or capture raids”. These are nighttime raids on people suspected of being Taliban commanders or bomb makers.
Investigations hindered by the military?
According to the BBC, the reports have raised concerns at British special forces SAS headquarters about a possible deliberate strategy of illegal killing by the unit. However, they were not passed on to the Marechaussee. A large-scale investigation into killings in Afghanistan by British military personnel was closed in 2019 without finding any criminal behaviour. However, the BBC reported, citing unnamed military police sources, that the investigation was allegedly hampered by the armed forces.
A spokesman for the British Ministry of Defense declined to give details at the BBC’s request, but said British forces in Afghanistan had served with “courage and professionalism”. He added: “No new evidence has been presented, but military police will investigate all allegations if new evidence comes to light.”
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
