Former British Special Forces officials accused colleagues of committing war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan, including claiming that they had executed civilians and children.
Graphic accounts of the routine executions of handcuffed prisoners and murder of people in sleep were handed over to the BBC, which reported that weapons had been planted during concealment.
New allegations of war crimes span more than a decade, much longer than the three years currently being considered by the UK’s official investigation.
Members of the Special Boat Service (SBS), the Royal Navy’s elite special forces regiment, are now being accused for the first time along with SAS soldiers.
A veteran who spoke to the BBC spoke about the “mob mentality” among former colleagues who are described as “lawless” and exhibited “serious psychotic traits.”
“They handcuffed the young boy and shot him,” said the Afghan SAS veteran. “He was clearly a child and wasn’t even close to combat age.”
The government says anyone with any evidence should contact a public investigation.
Mike Martin, a Liberal Democrat and member of the Defense Selection Committee, said it reflected a description of Afghan family.
“This is the latest in a long series of evidence that we have heard of related to war crimes committed by British special forces in Afghanistan,” he told the BBC Today program on Monday. “When we all joined the Army and served to serve overseas, we did that because we were using our power in legal judgment and legal ways.
He added:
Panorama also claimed that David Cameron was repeatedly warned during his term as prime minister that British special forces were killing civilians in Afghanistan.
His spokesperson said “it’s right to be awaiting official discovery in the investigation.” They added, “The suggestion that Lord Cameron conspired to cover up allegations of serious criminal misconduct is totally nonsense.”
The allegations are based on interviews conducted by investigators of the BBC’s panorama programme from more than 30 veterans who served with or with the British Special Forces in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Richard Bennett, an unappointed special rapporteur on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, said the allegations underscore “the need for comprehensive accountability and justice for victims and their families.”
A spokesman for the Ministry of Defense said:
“It is not appropriate for mods to comment on any claims that may be within the scope of a statutory investigation or to speculate on the results.
“Everyone, anywhere in the world, can provide evidence for an investigation. It encourages them to contact the investigator and police if potential evidence is revealed by BBC Panorama or even if potential evidence is discovered.”
(Source: Guardian)