UK Special Forces Blocking the Resettlement of Elite Afghan Soldiers
23 February 2024
Summary
Leaked documents have identified that the UK special forces rejected elite Afghan soldiers' applications for relocation despite their service alongside the British military amid the Taliban takeover.
Former SAS soldiers say the UK Special Forces veto over Afghan relocation applications represents a conflict of interest, as it gave them control over potential witnesses to alleged war crimes claims that are now under investigation.
UK Special Forces are accused of repeatedly obstructing military police investigators from 2012-2019 when they tried to interview Afghan partner force members as witnesses to alleged SAS war crimes in Afghanistan.
After the withdrawal of the United States within 2021, The Taliban expanded their influence within Afghanistan and quickly took control of the country. When the Taliban swept to power in August 2021, members of Afghan Special Forces units CF 333 and ATF 444 were at risk of retribution due to their support to the UK Special Forces in their fight against the Taliban. However, while they were eligible for the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme, their applications were rejected by the UK special forces despite the reports of these former soldiers being tortured and killed by the Taliban.
The leaked papers suggest a betrayal by the UK Special Forces regarding elite Afghan soldiers who fought alongside British forces for years. Moreover, The UK Special Forces vetoing relocation applications represents a clear conflict of interest given the fact that they are now under investigation for potential war crimes in Afghanistan. Therefore, blocking these Afghan soldiers from resettlement in the UK prevents key witnesses from being questioned. This gives the appearance of a cover-up and damages the credibility of the UK military and government. The rejected Afghan soldiers also face dangers from the Taliban due to their work with the British forces. With leaked papers, it is evident that the UK has failed at having moral responsibility in protecting the Afghan elite soldiers who were their allies. This sends a negative message to other foreign forces who partner with the UK military and could damage future alliances and operations.
Farid Ershad
Forecast
Short-term: There will be increased scrutiny and criticism of UK Special Forces for blocking Afghan relocations which will likely result in calls for transparency and reform of the vetting process
Medium-term: Ongoing allegations of UK war crimes and cover-up without testimony from Afghan witnesses. This also has the potential to deteriorate relations between the UK and Afghanistan in the future.
Long-term: Lasting distrust in UK Special Forces and strategic decision-making and reduced effectiveness of UK military operations requiring foreign allies due to reputational damage to the UK’s military standing and global influence.