UK Special Forces Rejected Over 2,000 Afghan Commandos’ Asylum Applications, Putting Their Lives at Risk – Proposed to Testify in War Crimes Inquiry

UK Special Forces Rejected Over 2,000 Afghan Commandos’ Asylum Applications, Putting Their Lives at Risk – Proposed to Testify in War Crimes Inquiry
February 17, 2025: UK Special Forces personnel have rejected over 2,000 resettlement applications from former Afghan commandos, preventing them from testifying in war crimes investigations. Following the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban in 2021, applications from Afghan Armed Forces personnel were rejected.

According to a BBC report, the UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) revealed in a court case that thousands of Afghan commandos who fought alongside the UK against the Taliban had their applications denied. The ministry had previously denied that such a policy existed.

Afghan Triples units, trained and funded by the UK, were allowed to apply for resettlement in the UK due to fears of retaliation after the Taliban takeover. However, the rejection of their applications has sparked controversy, as they could potentially testify as witnesses in the ongoing inquiry into alleged war crimes committed in Afghanistan, where these Triples commandos were present.

If resettled in the UK, these Afghan commandos could be compelled to give evidence in the investigation. Many of them remain in hiding in Afghanistan.

One former Afghan commando officer told the BBC, "Although some asylum applications have been reconsidered, it is too late for many. The delays have caused problems. Many people have been captured by the Taliban or lost their lives."

He further said, "If Special Forces made these rejections, they should explain why. They need to answer for it."

The MoD stated that Special Forces did not have the power to reject asylum applications. However, former Defense Minister Andrew Murrison later admitted they did have such authority.

According to BBC investigations, some Afghan commandos allege that the UK Special Forces blocked their asylum applications because they might testify in the ongoing UK war crimes inquiry.

Meanwhile, former Conservative MP Johnny Mercer, who served in Afghanistan, stated that he had heard "horrific" allegations from Triples soldiers. He added, "It is clear to me that there is evidence from Afghan Special Forces members in the UK that should contribute to this inquiry."

The MoD had previously told the BBC, "There is no evidence to suggest any part of the MoD has sought to prevent former members of Afghan specialist units from giving evidence in the inquiry."