New head of British Army expresses full support for Special Forces Afghanistan inquiry
The new head of the British Army has expressed his "full co-operation and support" for the inquiry into unlawful actions carried out by British Special Forces personnel in Afghanistan.
The inquiry will examine whether a special forces unit, known to the probe as UKSF1, had a policy of executing males of fighting age who posed no threat in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013.
Afghan families accused UK special forces of conducting a "campaign of murder" against civilians.
It has also been reported senior officers and personnel at the Ministry of Defence "sought to prevent adequate investigation".
Now, General Sir Roly Walker, the new head of the British Army, has penned an open letter to "Officers, Soldiers and Veterans of the British Army" – similar to the one written by his predecessor in December.
In the letter, Gen Sir Roly said he wanted to "reiterate the messages given regarding the independent inquiry relating to Afghanistan1 by my predecessor".
"Given the importance of the subject matter, I want you to be clear that I share the views expressed by my predecessor in that this inquiry has my full co-operation and support," he said.
"And I expect all levels of the Chain of Command to continue to take the same approach.
"Whilst this is a difficult and emotive issue, it is right that these allegations are fully investigated and that we consider whether there are further lessons to be learnt to help us continue to fight and win wars in the future.
"This is about transparency, trust, accountability and maintaining the very highest standards – it should not be construed as diminishing the service, sacrifice and commitment displayed by the vast majority who served with great distinction in Afghanistan."
Gen Sir Roly added that "anyone who thinks they might have information or material that might assist the inquiry should come forward".
"I am committed to ensuring we support our people through this process, which may be challenging for those involved," he said.
General Sir Roly outlined there was legal support available for those involved in the inquiry, saying: "Notably, individuals who require it are entitled to legal support at public expense if facing allegations that relate to actions taken during the individual’s service when performing operational duties." The new CGS signed the letter off by thanking members of the British Army who have engaged with the inquiry so far.
He also thanked those working to liaise with the inquiry and those provisioning support to British Army personnel.
Before leaving his post, the former head of the British Army urged personnel who think they might have information that would help the inquiry to make contact with the investigation.
General Sir Patrick Sanders 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.
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