A significant controversy is unfolding regarding the asylum applications of Afghan commandos, known as the "Triples," who fought alongside British forces. Recent revelations have emerged concerning the rejection of 1,585 applications by a Special Forces officer, whose actions appear to be safeguarding sensitive information regarding British military conduct in Afghanistan. These commandos, still at risk from Taliban reprisals, are seen as potential witnesses to alleged war crimes committed by UK Special Forces during operations from 2010 to 2013.

Court documents highlight that the officer dismissed every request, despite the known danger these former soldiers face since the Taliban's resurgence. This rejection coincides ominously with the initiation of a High Court inquiry probing allegations that three separate SAS (Special Air Service) units executed around 80 Afghan captives during night missions. These operations were reportedly conducted in collaboration with the Triples, raising questions about the motivations behind denying their asylum.

Former veterans minister Johnny Mercer has publicly expressed his outrage over the treatment of the Triples. Speaking to a judicial inquiry, he described his efforts to highlight these issues to senior civil servants, only to be met with defensiveness. Mercer stated, "When I raised this as happening to the most senior civil servants in UK Government, one in particular from UK Special Forces claimed he was 'offended' that I could make such a suggestion." This dismissal of valid concerns has spurred Mercer's readiness to support any potential legal action against the government, categorising the situation as "criminal negligence" while voicing fears for the safety of those left vulnerable by the government’s actions.

The ongoing inquiry is exploring troubling allegations that at least 80 Afghan civilians may have been subject to extrajudicial killings by UK forces, a claim bolstered by accounts of a systematic approach to eliminate "fighting-age males" during tactical raids. Testimonies from bereaved families and military insiders assert a culture within special operations that exhibited a "casual disregard for life." Amidst these accusations, serious doubts have arisen over practices of data handling and alleged cover-ups of unlawful killings believed to have involved UK troops.

Adding to the complications are claims by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) that there was no overarching policy preventing the Triples from seeking asylum. However, this assertion faced a swift reversal during the inquiry, revealing a bureaucratic obstacle that effectively blocked their requests. The MoD's contradictory stance raises further concerns over accountability and promptness in resolving the applications of those who served alongside British forces. These allegations not only paint a troubling picture of military conduct in Afghanistan but also exacerbate the plight of Afghan allies now seeking protection in the UK.

The inquiry into the conduct of British special forces underscores the broader implications of military actions and the responsibilities owed to local allies. As the investigation continues, it will shed light on the intersection of ethical accountability, military honour, and the urgent need for a more humane approach to asylum seekers who risked their lives alongside UK personnel. The moral and legal responsibilities to those who served must be confronted, particularly as the deadline for judicial findings approaches later this year.

Source: Noah Wire Services