SAS Leaders Challenge Inquiry's 'Selective' Evidence Release
Senior SAS figures have mounted a robust defence of the elite regiment following the High Court inquiry's release of fresh allegations concerning possible war crimes in Afghanistan. The former officers, led by ex-SAS Commanding Officer Richard Williams, have accused rival Special Boat Service commanders of pursuing an agenda against the SAS and criticised the court for what they describe as a 'selective' publication of testimonies.
Colonel Williams, who commanded the SAS between 2005 and 2008, emerged as the leading voice challenging the inquiry's approach. He has been a longstanding critic of what he terms 'lawfare' targeting British military personnel who served in conflicts including Afghanistan and Northern Ireland.
Damning Claims Emerge From Closed Sessions
On Wednesday evening, the Afghanistan Inquiry at the Royal Courts of Justice released its most substantial batch of documents and testimonies to date. These materials originated from closed sessions involving senior Special Forces officers and civil servants who held sensitive positions during the period when suspicious shootings allegedly occurred between 2010 and 2013.
The evidence suggests, though does not conclusively prove, that so-called Extra Judicial Killings were conducted by SAS units targeting insurgents. Soldiers found to have potentially committed EJKs could face criminal investigations, alongside any officers who might have concealed illegal actions.
Colonel Williams told the Mail exclusively: 'This very selective release of interpretations and judgements made by inexperienced staff officers reads like a one-sided, agenda-driven version of events. These officers were thousands of miles from combat tragedies. With no counter narrative or accounts provided by SAS soldiers on the ground appears judgemental.'
Unsubstantiated Allegations and Career Concerns
Among the released evidence was a second-hand account describing a soldier allegedly 'murdering' Afghan captives. The testimony claimed that after clearing a compound and gathering local nationals in one room for safety, a soldier entered and opened fire, resulting in multiple deaths that were subsequently covered up.
In another incident, a soldier was said to have fired beneath a mosquito net where women and children were taking cover. Documents alleged the shooting was covered up and the individual involved received 'some sort of award to make it look legitimate'.
The inquiry also heard that a senior officer at Special Forces headquarters in London considered reporting incidents to the Royal Military Police but ultimately remained silent. The commander, who cannot be identified, expressed regret about not filing a report in 2011, admitting he feared it would damage his promotion prospects and career longevity.
The judge-led Inquiry Relating to Afghanistan began hearing evidence in 2023 and is expected to continue until 2026, possibly extending into 2027. Its final findings could trigger a criminal investigation by the Metropolitan Police concerning allegations that the SAS killed more than 80 Afghans in suspicious circumstances in Helmand Province.
During Britain's campaign in Afghanistan, nearly 500 British soldiers lost their lives following the 9/11 attacks. The SAS had been deployed specifically to target Taliban improvised explosive device networks.
The Ministry of Defence stated: 'The government is fully committed to supporting the Independent Inquiry Relating to Afghanistan as it continues its work and we are hugely grateful to former and current employees that have given evidence. We also remain committed to providing the support that our Special Forces deserve, while maintaining the transparency and accountability that the British people rightly expect from their armed forces.'
