Army chief encourages troops to contact inquiry into alleged unlawful Special Forces killings

The head of the Army has urged personnel who think they might have information that would help the inquiry into alleged unlawful killings by Special Forces in Afghanistan to make contact with the investigation.

The Chief of the General Staff wrote an open letter, seen by Forces News, to Army personnel past and present to make it "crystal clear" that the independent inquiry has his full support.

General Sir Patrick Sanders said he wanted to "communicate directly to all who are serving or have served in the Army, whether Regular or Reserve" due to the importance of the matter.

The independent inquiry is set to examine whether Special Forces soldiers had a policy of executing males of fighting age who posed no threat in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013.

"Where serious allegations of this nature are made, it is important that they are looked into thoroughly and independently," he said.

"This is not only the hallmark of a democratic society, but also the rule of law we strive to uphold.

"I want you to be crystal clear that this Inquiry has my full cooperation and support, and I expect all levels of the Chain of Command to take the same approach."

Gen Sir Patrick said the inquiry was entitled to see all evidence of any classification, and he encouraged anyone who thinks they might have information or material that might be of use to contact the inquiry.

"I offer that you do not have to speak to anyone in the Army before approaching the inquiry; you can contact the inquiry directly," he said.

Gen Sir Patrick also said the Army had created a new two-star post of Director Afghanistan Inquiry Response (Army).

He added that Major General Alex Taylor CB, currently the Director of the Army Legal Services, would take on the role in January 2024.

Those who engage with the inquiry will be provided various protections, obtained by the judge leading the proceedings.

The Ministry of Defence set up the inquiry to investigate and report on allegations of wrongdoing by the British Armed Forces in relation to their conduct of deliberate detention operations in Afghanistan.