Leaked documents shared with BBC Panorama reveal that UK special forces were given veto power over resettlement applications from elite Afghan commandos who fought alongside British troops. The Ministry of Defence is conducting a review, but critics accuse it of a conflict of interest as a public inquiry investigates SAS conduct in Afghanistan.
The documents show that in some cases, MoD officials tried to challenge rejections but were told the decision by the British military unit was final. Hundreds of Afghan veterans are reportedly left in limbo or at risk in their home country.
The public inquiry is examining allegations that SAS soldiers killed 80 civilians in cold blood during night raids in Helmand province between 2010 and 2013. Former members of the Afghan 333 and 444 units, known as the Triples, who are now in the UK could potentially give evidence if they witnessed these events.
One former UK special forces officer told the BBC: 'At a time when certain actions by UK special forces are under investigation by a public inquiry, their headquarters also had the power to prevent former Afghan special forces colleagues and potential witnesses to these actions from getting safely to the UK.'
Labour estimates that 200 former Afghan special forces members face imminent deportation from Pakistan to Afghanistan. At least six Triples members have been murdered by the Taliban since the withdrawal from Kabul in 2021, according to shadow defence minister Luke Pollard.
The MoD said it does not comment on special forces. A spokesperson stated: 'We are conducting an independent, case-by-case review of all applications from former members of Afghan specialist units.'
