LONDON: UK special forces allegedly had a policy of executing “fighting age” males in Afghanistan even if they posed no threat, an independent inquiry probing claims of unlawful killings was told on Monday.

The inquiry, which opened in March but has now started substantive hearings at London’s Royal Courts of Justice, is investigating accusations about the special forces’ conduct in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013.

It is examining so-called deliberate detention operations during that period and how allegations of unlawful killings were investigated by Britain’s military police, in particular whether there were any cover-ups.

The independent inquiry follows legal challenges by the families of some of the dozens of people allegedly murdered by UK special forces during night raids.

It is set to hear submissions on behalf of the families of 33 people, including eight children, who were allegedly killed.

Detailing some of the cases being reviewed, lawyer to the inquiry Oliver Glasgow revealed a British soldier was said to have subsequently admitted “there was a policy in special forces to kill fighting age males”.

Glasgow noted the claim had been discovered in a “restricted security” dossier recovered years later that detailed a conversation with the soldier.

The lawyer added there were also accusations that Afghan partner units “refused to serve with UK special forces due to their behaviour”.

“Let there be no misunderstanding for those who have something to hide,” Glasgow said in his opening submission.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2023