Afghanistan war crimes report released by Defence Chief Angus Campbell includes evidence of 39 murders by special forcesKey points:* A culture of secrecy, fabrication and deceit has cast a heavy shadow over the legacy of the Australian special forces deployment in Afghanistan, with a landmark inquiry recommending 19 soldiers be investigated by police for the "murder" of 39 prisoners and civilians, and the cruel treatment of two others.
* Found "credible information" that 25 current or former Australian Defence Force personnel were involved in the serious crimes, either carrying out the offences or at least being "accessories" to the incidents.
* None of the incidents being referred to the AFP could be discounted as "disputable decisions made under pressure in the heat of battle".
* The IGADF report found junior soldiers were encouraged to shoot prisoners to get their first kill.
* The report is highly critical of the culture among special forces, accusing troops of covering up crimes.
* 2nd Squadron SAS will be struck off the Army's order of battle in the wake of the findings.
* ADF Chief Angus Campbell offered an apology for "any wrongdoing by Australian soldiers", predominately the actions of some within the elite SAS. "It is alleged that some patrols took the law into their own hands, rules were broken, stories concocted, lies told and prisoners killed," he said.
Read more: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-19/afghanistan-war-crimes-report-igadf-paul-brereton-released/12896234
