Former UK Defence Chief Faces Scrutiny Over Afghan Civilian Death Claims

Sir Ben Wallace, former UK defence secretary, faced questioning at the Independent Inquiry Relating to Afghanistan regarding allegations of civilian killings by Special Air Service (SAS) forces. The inquiry, held at the Royal Courts of Justice, is investigating claims that up to 80 civilians were killed under suspicious circumstances during night raids between 2010 and 2013.

The SAS, founded in 1941 during World War II, is renowned for its motto "Who Dares Wins" and is considered one of the world's most elite military units. While typically shrouded in secrecy, the unit's activities have come under intense scrutiny in recent years.

Evidence presented at the hearing revealed that Sir Ben Wallace received a letter in October 2019, warning him about upcoming BBC Panorama allegations. The Ministry of Defence described these allegations as "broadly accurate." Despite this early notification, Sir Ben only ordered a public inquiry four years later.

The inquiry is also examining whether a special forces unit, referred to as UKSF1, had a policy of executing non-threatening males of "fighting age" in Afghanistan. Afghan families have accused the SAS of conducting a "campaign of murder" against civilians, with allegations that senior officers and MoD personnel attempted to obstruct proper investigation.

When questioned about his response to these allegations, Sir Ben Wallace stated, "I did pay attention to it – we are sitting in a public inquiry to get to the bottom of it." He maintained that while some allegations were "spurious," it would be incorrect to dismiss all claims as such.

The SAS, known for its rigorous five-month selection process and specialized training in survival skills, counter-terrorism, and hostage rescue, has been involved in numerous conflicts worldwide. Its operations often involve small teams working behind enemy lines, and members are trained in multiple languages and cultural awareness.

Johnny Mercer, former veterans' minister, previously criticized Sir Ben Wallace for allegedly "lacking curiosity" in responding to cover-up allegations. Mercer had written to Sir Ben in August 2020 following reports in The Sunday Times about senior special forces officers expressing concerns over 33 deaths in 11 night raids in 2011.

Refuting these accusations, Sir Ben Wallace asserted, "Not only did I seek to dig deeper, I also even sought to dig internationally whether or not the assurances I'd been given were truthful." He emphasized his role in establishing the inquiry and holding the department accountable.

The inquiry is also scrutinizing two Royal Military Police investigations: Operation Northmoor and Operation Cestro. Operation Northmoor, a £10 million investigation launched in 2014, examined allegations of executions by special forces, including those of children. However, no charges were brought under this operation.

As the inquiry continues, it sheds light on the complex relationship between military operations, accountability, and the challenges of investigating alleged war crimes in conflict zones.

"I held the department to account if I felt that they were not producing what we had asked for. But I also had to reiterate that we had to act on the evidence before us and that I also have a duty to the men and women of the armed forces to make sure that their reputation is not dragged through the mud or indeed libelled or besmirched without evidence."

The SAS, with its headquarters in Hereford, England, has influenced the formation of similar units in other countries and has been featured in numerous books, films, and video games. As this inquiry unfolds, it may have far-reaching implications for the future of special forces operations and military accountability.