The Tactics Institute for Security and Peace expresses deep concern over the alarming testimonies emanating from a public inquiry ongoing on alleged extrajudicial killings by British Special Forces while on operations in Afghanistan. We urge the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to ensure transparency and accountability in handling the serious allegations that breach international humanitarian law and work against efforts toward global peace and security.
It comes in the wake of an independent investigation that was spurred by a BBC inquiry into British SAS operations in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013. Evidence revealed some “chilling testimony” about civilian killings, which included those as young as under 16, and claims of executions at night, described by some as “deliberate detention operations.
A witness known as N1799 testified that “all fighting-age males were killed on target regardless of the threat they posed,” which suggested a systemic disregard for the rules of engagement. N2107 further testified about being suspicious of high casualty rates and of detainees being summarily executed upon capture.
The allegations, when proven, indicate serious breaches of international humanitarian law involving the Geneva Convention. These include prohibitions against attacking civilians and prisoners. These acts will fuel regional instability as they provoke distrust among local populations and provide propaganda material for extremist groups. This would severely undermine efforts at counter-terrorism and would undermine the legitimacy of international coalitions operating in confined zones of conflict.
The Tactics Institute urges the UK government to have a transparent and fair investigation of the allegations made, with more emphasis on the accountability of all confirmed violations. Please review the policies and practices of special forces units to ensure they are in line with international laws concerning armed conflict. Protect whistleblowers like N1799, whose courage in reporting these incidents underlines the necessity for systemic safeguards against misconduct. Rebuild trust with affected communities by acknowledging past failures, offering reparations where appropriate, and committing to justice for victims.
It should be noted that the Institute focuses on respecting the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Geneva Conventions, which clearly ban all forms of targeting civilians, minors, and detainees. This highlights the urgent need for reforms within military operations that are supposed to prevent further violations.
The Tactics Institute calls for decisive action on these serious allegations by the UK government towards justice and accountability while reasserting its international humanitarian obligations. Immediate and transparent action is important for the protection of regional peace and global security.
