Australian commandos accused of Afghan war crimes and ‘disregard for human dignity’
The investigation into the soldiers’ actions concerned operations deployed alongside US and allied forces in Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks
Australian special forces have been accused of committing war crimes in Afghanistan in a secret defence report leaked on Friday that described a “complete lack of accountability” from top military brass.
The investigation, reported by Fairfax Media, quoted unnamed special forces insiders saying some Australian troops engaged in the “unsanctioned and illegal application of violence on operations” with “a disregard for human dignity”.
The report, which Fairfax said was compiled by defence department consultant Samantha Crompvoets, concerned operations by Australian Special Air Service troops and other elite commandos deployed alongside US and allied forces in Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks.
It described a dysfunctional military organisation rife with distrust of senior leaders and competition between different elite units.
“Even more concerning were allusions to behaviour and practices involving abuse of drugs and alcohol, domestic violence, unsanctioned and illegal application of violence on operations … and the perception of a complete lack of accountability at times,” the report is quoted as saying.
The Defence Force declined to answer specific questions about the leaked report, but told Fairfax it was taking “all allegations about Australian Forces seriously” and would be making recommendations based on the findings of the inquiry.
