Former UK Special Forces members have disclosed shocking allegations of war crimes committed by the Special Air Service (SAS) and Special Boat Service (SBS) during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as revealed in a BBC Panorama investigation aired on May 11, 2025.
The veterans’ eyewitness testimonies detail unlawful killings, including executions of unarmed individuals and children, and the planting of weapons to justify these acts, prompting scrutiny of military accountability.
The testimonies describe a pattern of misconduct, with one veteran recounting the handcuffing and shooting of a young boy, noting such acts were routine. Another witnessed a soldier execute a wounded detainee receiving medical treatment, highlighting a culture of impunity. These accounts suggest systemic issues within the SAS and SBS, with veterans alleging that higher command structures were complicit in covering up incidents through falsified reports and suppressed evidence.
Ex-UK Special Forces break silence on 'war crimes' by colleagues https://t.co/MTghwyWuiT
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) May 12, 2025The veterans claimed that senior officers facilitated cover-ups to shield personnel, including planting weapons on bodies and falsifying mission reports. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) responded by affirming its support for ongoing public inquiries, led by Lord Justice Haddon-Cave, which are examining these allegations. Further hearings are scheduled in the coming months.
The revelations raise serious questions about oversight and accountability in UK military operations, challenging the reputation of its elite forces.
The public inquiry’s findings could reshape military protocols and influence international perceptions of UK operations in conflict zones. The MoD’s commitment to cooperation contrasts with veterans’ claims of systemic misconduct, underscoring the need for rigorous investigation and reform.
