In a groundbreaking BBC Panorama investigation, former members of the UK’s elite Special Forces have come forward with detailed testimonies alleging war crimes committed by their colleagues during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Speaking publicly for the first time, over 30 veterans from the SAS (Special Air Service) and SBS (Special Boat Service) described a pattern of unlawful killings of unarmed civilians, detainees, and even children—many while sleeping or handcuffed.
One former SAS soldier recounted witnessing a child in handcuffs being shot, while others described routine executions of prisoners followed by staged scenes using planted weapons to justify the killings. Soldiers claimed that killing became “an addictive job” for some, with individuals allegedly keeping personal kill counts and competing in unofficial death tallies.
The investigation revealed that not only were such actions widespread, but there was also institutional knowledge and tolerance within the command structure. Reports were falsified to avoid scrutiny, and evidence suggests that senior commanders, including those in the UK Special Forces command and government officials, were aware. The former Afghan National Security Adviser confirmed that President Hamid Karzai raised concerns with then-UK Prime Minister David Cameron multiple times during his tenure.
New video and witness testimony also implicate the Royal Navy’s SBS unit for the first time in deliberate killings of wounded or surrendering individuals. Some soldiers described a “barbaric” shift in behavior among troops, enabled by a culture of impunity and lack of parliamentary oversight.
The UK Ministry of Defence has responded by reaffirming its support for an ongoing public inquiry into these allegations, urging anyone with information to come forward. The inquiry is expected to examine the depth of institutional failure and the extent of knowledge at the highest levels of British government, including former Prime Minister David Cameron.
