British Special Forces Speak Out on Brutal Killings in Iraq and Afghanistan

 British Special Forces Speak Out on Brutal Killings in Iraq and Afghanistan

In a chilling exposé that has shaken military and political circles in the United Kingdom, several former members of the British Special Air Service (SAS) have come forward to reveal harrowing accounts of brutal killings carried out during covert missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. The disclosures, made under the condition of anonymity for personal safety, paint a disturbing picture of wartime conduct by one of the most revered elite units in the world.

The testimonies are part of a growing wave of whistleblowing incidents that have emerged following investigations by British and international human rights organizations. These organizations have long accused certain Western military units of overstepping legal boundaries in conflict zones, but this is the first time insiders from the SAS have spoken publicly about the alleged atrocities.

According to the accounts, numerous killings took place between 2006 and 2013, during the height of British military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. While the official narrative emphasized precision and professionalism, insiders claim that many operations turned into bloodbaths that targeted not only insurgents but also civilians.

A former SAS sergeant, speaking to The Guardian, said, “We were sent in to neutralize threats, but too often, the line between threat and target became blurred. In many night raids, suspects were executed without clear evidence. Some were shot in their sleep.”

Another former operative described a mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan: “We entered a compound based on shaky intelligence. Two men were handcuffed and unarmed. Orders were given, and they were shot point-blank. We were told to plant weapons beside their bodies to make it appear they were combatants.”

Several soldiers confirmed that it was common practice to manipulate evidence to justify killings. In some instances, Afghan villagers—many of whom could not speak English—were forced at gunpoint to ‘confess’ to Taliban affiliation before being eliminated.

The allegations raise serious questions about the chain of command and the rules of engagement set by the British Ministry of Defence (MoD). While official protocols dictated strict adherence to international humanitarian law, multiple former SAS members claim that commanders pressured troops to deliver results “by any means necessary.”

“There was a kill-count mentality,” said one veteran who served three tours in Afghanistan. “Commanders wanted numbers to justify our presence. Every ‘body’ was a metric of success, regardless of whether it was a legitimate target.”

An internal email exchange leaked by a former intelligence officer suggests that senior military officials may have been aware of the rogue operations but chose to turn a blind eye to maintain operational momentum.

Behind the veil of silence, many ex-soldiers have suffered from extreme psychological trauma. Some have been diagnosed with severe PTSD, not just from battlefield stress, but from the moral injury of participating in or witnessing unlawful killings.

One anonymous source recounted, “I can’t sleep at night. I see their faces—men, teenagers, sometimes even women—killed without a chance to speak. We were trained to be machines, not humans. And now that it's over, I’m left with guilt I can’t erase.”

Military psychologists have corroborated the long-term effects of such missions on mental health. Dr. Susan Halberd, who has treated multiple former Special Forces personnel, says that many suffer in silence due to the stigma around speaking out against comrades or the institution.

Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and several UK-based legal firms have called for a full independent inquiry. “These allegations are not isolated incidents; they point to systemic abuse of power under the guise of special operations,” said James Rylance, a legal expert in military ethics.

Earlier investigations into British military conduct—such as the now-closed Operation Northmoor and Operation Cestro—failed to bring charges against soldiers, citing insufficient evidence. Critics claim those probes were designed more to protect reputations than to seek truth.

The UK Ministry of Defence has so far issued a cautious statement, acknowledging the seriousness of the claims while emphasizing the “heroic” service of most Special Forces members. “We do not tolerate unlawful conduct in the British military. All credible allegations are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly,” the statement reads.

However, politicians across the spectrum have begun demanding more transparency. Shadow Defence Secretary Angela McBride called for a parliamentary inquiry, saying, “The British public deserves to know what was done in its name. Our soldiers must be held to the same standards of law as anyone else.”

On the other hand, some right-wing lawmakers have accused the whistleblowers of tarnishing the image of the armed forces. MP Richard Farrow, a vocal defence hawk, said, “This witch-hunt against our troops plays into the hands of our enemies. War is messy, and armchair critics cannot judge battlefield decisions.”

While the whistleblowers’ statements have reignited domestic debate, the most profound impact is felt thousands of miles away. In rural provinces of Afghanistan and Iraq, families continue to grieve for loved ones killed in mysterious raids.

One Afghan villager, now living as a refugee in Turkey, shared how his father and two brothers were killed in a midnight assault. “They said we were Taliban. We were farmers. They shot them in front of me. No one investigated. No one cared.”

Human rights lawyers are working to document such cases and bring them to international courts. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” said Zahra Amin, an Afghan legal advocate. “But now that the truth is coming from the soldiers themselves, the world must listen.”

The revelations come at a time when many nations are reassessing the legacy of their post-9/11 military interventions. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have already been criticized for their cost in lives, money, and regional stability. These latest disclosures may mark a turning point in how history judges the UK’s role.

Military historian Dr. Edward Hanley argues, “This is Britain’s My Lai moment. Just as the US had to reckon with Vietnam, the UK must now face the uncomfortable truths of its recent military campaigns.”

As pressure mounts, legal and military experts are calling for structural reforms. Recommendations include:

• Establishing an independent war crimes tribunal for British military conduct abroad.

• Revising rules of engagement with clearer lines of accountability.

• Expanding mental health support and ethical training for active duty personnel.

• Protecting whistleblowers through legal immunity and psychological care.

Meanwhile, the veterans who broke the silence continue to face backlash and fear for their safety. But for them, telling the truth was a moral necessity.

“We went through hell,” said one ex-operative. “But hell is knowing we did wrong and said nothing. That ends now.”