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According to an investigative report, there is “credible evidence” of the killing of Afghan civilians by Australian soldiers. The report denounces a “self-centered warrior culture.”
According to an investigative report, Australian soldiers have committed war crimes while serving in Afghanistan. 25 members of a special unit had “illegally” killed at least 39 prisoners or civilians, said the head of the Australian Defense Forces, Angus Campbell, in Canberra when publishing a report on the behavior of the Australian soldiers in the war of Afghanistan.
A “shameful balance” of a “self-centered warrior culture” was revealed. The results indicated “more serious violations” of military conduct and professional values.
Four years of research
For the report, the Inspector General of the Australian Armed Forces investigated indications of unlawful killings and violations of international martial law between 2005 and 2016 over four years. More than 330 witnesses were heard and investigations were opened in at least 55 cases.
The report describes a culture of “toxic competitive thinking” within the task force that has resulted in some soldiers shortening procedures, ignoring and deviating from the rules, Campbell said. None of these “unlawful killings” occurred “in the heat of the moment.” “Everyone who was spoken to during this investigation understood the international law of war and the rules of engagement under which they were deployed.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced last week that a special investigator would investigate alleged war crimes committed by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan and bring those responsible to justice. He had prepared his countrymen for revelations that were difficult to deal with, not just for active soldiers and veterans.
