The asylum applications of 1,585 Afghan commandos, known as "Triples," who served alongside British troops, were notably rejected by a Special Forces officer amidst grave concerns regarding their safety from the Taliban. Court documents indicate that these applications were dismissed despite the evident risks to the commandos, who could face severe reprisals for their cooperation with British forces during the Afghan conflict. This situation has escalated dramatically since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, with reports of some Triples having been killed during this period, highlighting the urgent need for action.

The context surrounding these rejections becomes particularly poignant against the backdrop of a High Court inquiry into allegations of war crimes involving UK Special Forces, particularly the SAS. This inquiry is examining claims that SAS units participated in extrajudicial killings of Afghan captives during night operations between 2010 and 2013, actions in which the Triples were often present. The inquiry is set to reveal troubling patterns of behaviour that suggest a potential cover-up by the UK government, possibly motivated by a desire to prevent the Triples from providing testimony about the operations they witnessed.

Former veterans minister Johnny Mercer, who has publicly advocated for the resettlement of these Afghan commandos, expressed his outrage at the situation, stating he was "appalled" by the government’s dismissal of their asylum requests. Mercer recounted discussions with high-ranking civil servants, where he was met with incredulity regarding the claims of negligence or complicity in blocking the Triples' applications. His assertion that these actions could amount to criminal negligence underscores the seriousness of the issue, particularly given that some former soldiers have already endured torture and death due to their former affiliations.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, a judicial review into the handling of these asylum applications has brought new revelations. The British Ministry of Defence initially denied any overarching policy against the Triples’ resettlement but later had to concede that there indeed existed a system — referred to as standard operating procedures — by which Special Forces assessments effectively held veto power over these applications. This admission raises questions not only about operational protocols but also about the ethical implications of such a decision-making process.

The plight of individuals like Rahmatullah, an Afghan commando who endured severe torture by the Taliban after his application for relocation was denied, illustrates the human cost of these policy decisions. His harrowing testimony reflects the dire consequences faced by many such soldiers left vulnerable following the British withdrawal. The broader narrative reveals a chilling pattern of apparent complicity and negligence on the part of British officials, as they attempt to navigate the fallout from military actions that have now come under intense scrutiny.

As the inquiry continues and findings are expected later this year, the unresolved fate of the Triples raises essential ethical questions regarding the legacy of the UK's military involvement in Afghanistan. The potential interplay of war crimes allegations, governmental negligence, and the very real dangers faced by the Afghan commandos underscores the urgent need for transparency and accountability in addressing their plight.

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Source: Noah Wire Services