In a groundbreaking report, former members of the UK’s elite Special Forces have shared their firsthand accounts of what they allege to be war crimes committed by colleagues during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. This shocking testimony, given to BBC Panorama, marks the first time these veterans have publicly spoken about the alleged atrocities, which include the killing of unarmed civilians and prisoners of war.
The veterans, who served in units such as the SAS and SBS, have described seeing their comrades murder unarmed individuals in their sleep, execute handcuffed detainees, and even kill children. One veteran, who served with the SAS in Afghanistan, recalled witnessing the execution of a young boy who was handcuffed and shot, despite being clearly unarmed and far from combat age.
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Allegations of Routine Executions and Planting Evidence
The veterans’ testimony paints a grim picture of daily operations. They describe how executions of detainees became “routine.” According to one witness, detainees were often handcuffed, shot, and then had a pistol planted next to their body to make it appear as though they were armed. The veteran explained that this tactic was used to avoid accountability for the killings.
One SBS veteran described the execution of wounded individuals, stating that even those who were still breathing and receiving medical treatment were executed at close range. “These are not mercy killings. It’s murder,” he said.
In addition to these shocking killings, the veterans allege that members of the SAS and SBS would plant weapons on the bodies of their victims to make it appear that they had been armed, thereby justifying the killings. They also described how false reports were created to avoid scrutiny from military authorities.
A Culture of Impunity and “Mob Mentality”
Many of the veterans who spoke to Panorama claimed that there was a “mob mentality” among certain members of the Special Forces. One veteran recalled that some soldiers exhibited “psychopathic traits” and were “lawless,” feeling untouchable due to their elite status. “It became an addictive thing to do,” said one SAS veteran, referring to the killings.
The testimony also sheds light on the culture within the units, with veterans describing how some members seemed obsessed with killing and would actively seek out opportunities to do so. In one instance, a member of the SAS allegedly slit the throat of an injured Afghan man after instructing an officer not to shoot him again, as he wanted to finish him off with his knife.
Allegations Reaching the Highest Levels of Command
The testimony also reveals that the knowledge of these actions was not limited to small teams or individual squadrons. Several veterans claim that the command structure within the UK Special Forces was fully aware of what was happening on the ground. “Everyone knew,” said one veteran. “There was implicit approval for what was happening.”
The BBC’s investigation further reveals that the then Prime Minister David Cameron was repeatedly made aware of these allegations. Afghan President Hamid Karzai reportedly raised concerns about civilian casualties caused by UK Special Forces, yet the issue was not adequately addressed. Despite this, the UK government has maintained that it is fully committed to supporting the ongoing public inquiry into the allegations.
The Lack of Oversight and the Need for Accountability
One of the key issues highlighted in the testimony is the lack of oversight over the UK Special Forces. Unlike many other countries, the UK has no parliamentary oversight of its elite forces, meaning that strategic responsibility for their actions ultimately rests with the Prime Minister, the Defence Secretary, and the head of Special Forces. The lack of accountability has led to widespread concerns about the conduct of UK Special Forces, especially in operations that resulted in civilian casualties.
Bruce Houlder KC, a former director of service prosecutions, expressed hope that the public inquiry would examine the extent of Prime Minister Cameron’s knowledge of the alleged war crimes. “You need to know how far the rot went up,” Houlder said, calling for a thorough investigation into the actions of the UK Special Forces.
Calls for Transparency and Justice
As the public inquiry continues, there is growing pressure on the UK government to provide answers and hold those responsible accountable. The testimonies from the veterans are a stark reminder of the need for transparency and justice in military operations. The revelations of potential war crimes committed by some of the UK’s most elite soldiers raise serious questions about the conduct of the Special Forces and the system of oversight that has allowed such actions to go unchecked for so long.
Conclusion: A Dark Chapter in UK Special Forces History
The accounts provided by former UK Special Forces members offer a chilling glimpse into a dark chapter of military history. As the public inquiry into the allegations continues, the UK government faces increasing pressure to address the serious issues raised by these testimonies and ensure that those responsible for any war crimes are held to account. The international community will be watching closely as the investigation unfolds, with the hope that justice will ultimately prevail.
Cet article a été publié à l’origine sur : bbc
