Inquiry Reveals Afghan President's Concerns Over Civilian Casualties by British SAS
Afghan president voiced concern over civilians killed by SAS troops, inquiry told
Image: Theguardian
Afghan President Hamid Karzai raised serious concerns about civilian deaths caused by British SAS troops during operations in Afghanistan. Evidence from an inquiry indicates that these incidents led to Afghan military forces becoming reluctant to collaborate with British forces, impacting NATO operations in the region.
- 01President Hamid Karzai expressed strong concerns about civilian casualties from British SAS operations, labeling his complaint as 'muscular'.
- 02By spring 2011, Afghan military forces were increasingly unwilling to work with the British SAS due to rising civilian deaths.
- 03A review indicated that tactics used by the SAS, particularly during night raids, had become counterproductive, leading to unnecessary civilian casualties.
- 04The inquiry has been ongoing since December 2022, focusing on UK special forces operations between 2010 and 2013, with many hearings held in private.
- 05Allegations have surfaced regarding a policy of indiscriminate killings of Afghan males during operations, raising serious ethical concerns.
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A public inquiry has revealed that former Afghan President Hamid Karzai voiced significant concerns over civilian casualties resulting from British Special Air Service (SAS) operations in Afghanistan. Evidence presented indicates that these civilian deaths led to Afghan military forces becoming increasingly reluctant to cooperate with British troops, particularly by spring 2011. A special forces staff officer, referred to as N1788, testified that Karzai made a 'muscular' complaint to NATO commanders regarding the issue, which emerged during a time of heightened military activity as US President Barack Obama increased troop numbers to combat the Taliban. The inquiry highlighted that certain SAS tactics, such as asking Afghan males to return to family compounds during raids, had resulted in counterproductive outcomes, with concerns that these practices led to more violence rather than less. The inquiry, which began in December 2022, has faced criticism for its slow progress and the secrecy surrounding many of its hearings.
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The inquiry into SAS operations has raised serious ethical concerns regarding military conduct in Afghanistan, affecting local perceptions of foreign military presence.
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