The UK Solicitor General in a statement on Thursday warned media outlets against violating restrictions on reporting details of an ongoing inquiry into killings by British special forces in Afghanistan more than a decade ago.
The Independent Inquiry into Afghanistan was launched by Britain’s Ministry of Defence after a BBC documentary reported that soldiers from the elite Special Air Service (SAS) had killed 54 people under suspicious circumstances during nighttime raids between 2010 and 2013.
The inquiry released summaries this week of evidence from seven UK special forces witnesses, who testified in closed hearings for national security reasons. A Restriction Order accompanying the evidence prohibits the publication of information that could identify witnesses or reveal their backgrounds or military units. The Solicitor General emphasized that breaching this order could result in contempt of court charges.
Allegations of extrajudicial killings
The investigation focuses on deliberate detention operations conducted by British forces in Afghanistan during a three-year period. Witness testimonies have raised serious concerns about potential extrajudicial killings and a lack of accountability within certain units.
According to Reuters report, one witness, known as N1799, said he raised alarms in 2011 about a unit referred to as UKSF1 after a conversation with one of its members during a training course. He testified that the unit allegedly killed all “fighting-age males” on its targets, regardless of whether they posed a threat.
Another soldier questioned the plausibility of official reports suggesting detainees had been released, only to re-arm themselves and attack troops shortly afterward—a scenario repeatedly used to justify lethal actions.
The Restriction Order issued by the inquiry requires strict confidentiality around the testimonies and identities of witnesses.
“The Solicitor General wishes to remind everyone of their responsibilities under the Restriction Order,” a statement read. Both the Attorney General’s Office and the inquiry team are closely monitoring media coverage to ensure compliance.
The investigation, chaired by Judge Charles Haddon-Cave, is also assessing whether previous military inquiries into the alleged incidents were sufficient or involved attempts to cover up misconduct.
The UK Ministry of Defence has stated that earlier probes found no evidence to support criminal prosecutions. However, the current inquiry aims to provide a thorough review of the evidence and determine whether further legal or disciplinary actions are warranted.
