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According to an investigative report in Afghanistan, 25 members of an Australian special unit are responsible for the deaths of at least 39 prisoners and civilians.
“Shameful balance” of a “self-centered warrior culture”: Angus Campbell, chief of the Australian defense forces, presents the investigation report on the mission in Afghanistan. (November 19, 2020)
Keystone / Mick Tsikas
According to an investigative report, Australian soldiers committed war crimes while serving in Afghanistan.
25 members of a special unit killed at least 39 prisoners or civilians “illegally”, Australian defense forces chief Angus Campbell said in Canberra Thursday when he released a report on Australian soldiers’ behavior in the war in Afghanistan. A “shameful balance sheet” of a “self-centered warrior culture” was revealed. The results pointed to “the most serious violations” of military behavior and professional values.
For the report, the Inspector General of the Australian Armed Forces followed up on indications of unlawful killings and violations of international martial law between 2005 and 2016. More than 330 witnesses were heard and investigations were opened in at least 55 cases .
Rules ignored and bent
The report outlines a culture of “toxic competitive thinking” within the task force that has led some soldiers to shorten procedures, ignore and bend the rules, Campbell said. None of these “illegal killings” happened “in the heat of the moment”. “Every person we spoke to during this investigation understood the international law of war and the rules of engagement under which they were employed.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced last week that a special investigator will investigate alleged war crimes committed by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan and bring those responsible to justice. He had prepared his compatriots for hard-to-face revelations, not just for active soldiers and veterans.
(SDA / chk)
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