(Newswire.net — November 21, 2020) —
The Australian Defence Force recently released their findings from a four year inquiry into the alleged claims that Australian troops were committing war crimes in Afghanistan.
The investigation focused on the period between 2009 and 2013 and looked into the murders of 39 Afghan civilians and prisoners.
Australia had its forces stationed in Afghanistan since 2002, as part of a coalition led by the US.
There was a rampant “warrior culture” among the elite troops, where younger soldiers were asked to murder prisoners. Junior soldiers obtaining their first kills in this way is a practice known as “blooding”. Afterwards, stories would be invented, weapons and other items such as phones would be planted on the bodies to cover up and excuse the murders. This way the younger soldiers were groomed and initiated into the platoon.
The report found that there were 23 incidents where the killings took place, either carried out by Special Forces or at their instructions.
A total of 25 Special Forces soldiers were identified as either principal actors in the crimes, or as accessories; some of whom are still serving in the Australian Defence Force. Victims of the killings were found to be non combatants, captured and controlled prisoners.
Now, other militaries that were a part of the coalition are urged to look into the behavior of their troops, namely America and Britain. Patricia Gossman, senior researcher for the Human Rights Watch in Afghanistan said: “It was part of a sick culture that essentially treated Afghans living in these contested areas as if they were all dangerous criminals — even the children — or simply as not human.”
Australian General Angus Campbell said that none of the crimes could be described as occurring in “the heat of battle,” and that the Special Air Service soldiers have “taken the law into their own hands”.
“The distorted culture was embraced and amplified by some experienced, charismatic and influential non-commissioned officers and their proteges,” he added.
Major General Justice Paul Brereton who conducted the inquiry recommended referring 36 matters to the Australian Federal Police for criminal investigation.