Leaked documents obtained by BBC Panorama reveal that UK Special Forces blocked the resettlement applications of Afghan troops with whom they had fought against the Taliban, even as the Taliban seized power. The documents show that some applications containing compelling evidence of service alongside the British military were rejected. Notably, Afghan commandos had joined British special forces in undertaking perilous missions during the conflict.
Despite the risk of reprisal faced by Afghan Special Forces units CF 333 and ATF 444, known as the 'Triples,' who supported UK Special Forces, hundreds of their resettlement applications under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (Arap) were rejected. Some of these individuals have reportedly faced violence or death at the hands of the Taliban since.
The Ministry of Defence has initiated an independent review in response to the revelations. Armed Forces Minister James Heappey has acknowledged flaws in the decision-making process, leading to a review of approximately 2,000 applications.
According to leaked documents seen by Panorama, a Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) document from at least 2023 revealed that all triple applications reaching a basic threshold were subjected to approval or denial by UK Special Forces. If sponsorship was denied, the applicant was automatically deemed ineligible, resulting in rejection.
Former members of the SAS, the elite special forces regiment, expressed concerns that the veto outlined in the SOP document poses a conflict of interest. This is particularly significant as the public inquiry in the UK investigates allegations of war crimes committed by SAS soldiers in Afghanistan, where triple units were present.
Former UK Special Forces officers argue that the special forces' decision-making power over applications creates a conflict, especially during a public inquiry examining their actions. It potentially hinders Afghan Special Forces members, who could provide crucial evidence, from safely reaching the UK.
BBC Panorama has interviewed former Triples members whose applications were rejected in 2023. They claim to have witnessed or reported war crimes committed by UK Special Forces during joint operations. Documents submitted with their applications include invitations to SAS headquarters, letters from the British embassy, and photographs with high-ranking military officials.
Lawyers supporting former Triples members allege a significant increase in rejections under the Arap scheme, suggesting a possible "blanket policy." While stating that Arap caseworkers made final decisions, The Ministry of Defense did not dispute that UK Special Forces had the authority to reject applications in 2023.
Armed Forces Minister Heappey cited a need for comprehensive employment or payment records for some rejections. However, military figures argue that the Afghan forces were directly paid by the British, with detailed records maintained for every payment.
Former investigators from the Royal Military Police accused UK Special Forces of obstructing inquiries into alleged war crimes by preventing interviews with Afghan partner units. The revelations raise concerns about the treatment of Afghan allies and the potential impact on the ongoing public inquiry into alleged SAS war crimes in Afghanistan."
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