General oversees rejection of Afghan commandos' resettlement applications amid war crime allegations

In Afghanistan, members of the UK Special Forces have been accused of committing war crimes, including extrajudicial killings, over the course of several operations. Eyewitness accounts indicate that these allegations stem from actions taken by elite units such as the SAS and SBS, with former soldiers testifying that the laws of war were routinely ignored. Notably, operations that resulted in civilian fatalities were described as often lacking any consideration for capturing targets alive. One witness described the killings as unnecessary and indicated a deeply troubling culture among some operatives, which has raised serious moral questions about the conduct of these military units. The conversation surrounding these allegations intensified as a public inquiry was initiated in the UK to investigate the actions of the SAS during their operations in Afghanistan. Concurrently, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, who led UK Special Forces during this period, was implicated when he presided over the rejection of numerous resettlement applications from Afghan commandos who had served alongside British forces. The rejections raised concern as many of these Afghan veterans faced life-threatening situations, including retaliation from the Taliban, due to their service. Internal communications revealed troubling directives from the leadership within UK Special Forces, as General Jenkins' command effectively set the tone for scrutinizing applications from Afghan special forces. Many of the rejections appeared unfounded, leaving these former allies exposed to further harm. This action has led to a growing outcry from various military and diplomatic voices, recognizing it as a form of betrayal and raising questions about the integrity of the UK's commitments to their allies. The implications of these events are significant. As the inquiry continues, the failure to support these Afghan soldiers not only jeopardizes the lives of individuals who helped UK forces but also highlights the moral and legal responsibilities of the British military. The inquiry could uncover an array of facts that may involve high-ranking officials in decisions that could be deemed war crimes. Ultimately, the rejection of applications appears to be influenced directly by the political climate surrounding the inquiry, raising broader concerns about the treatment of veterans and the legacy of military engagements abroad.