Australian troops kill 39 civilians in Afghanistan, report says

 

Serious allegations of abuse, insults and violence against the Afghan people are also on record against Australian troops.

Canberra: The Australian government has admitted after a four-year investigation that Australian troops stationed in Afghanistan have killed at least 39 people there, including prisoners, farmers and civilians.

The investigation began in 2016 following reports in the Australian media about Coalition war crimes in Afghanistan, which was completed this week, and the final report was released today.

The inquiry, led by New South Wales Supreme Court Judge Paul Breiten, interviewed 423 witnesses over four years and analyzed more than 20,000 documents and about 25,000 photographs.

Explaining the details of the investigation, Australian Army Chief General Agnes Campbell acknowledged the war crimes committed by his troops and offered an unconditional apology to the Afghan people. He said Australian personnel from the "Special Air Service Regiment" stationed in Afghanistan were the most involved in war crimes.

Inspector General of the Australian Defense Forces James Gainer also told the media that all these crimes were committed in "non-combat situations" which are illegal and inhumane in every way. He said that in addition to killing civilians and detainees, there were serious allegations against Australian forces of abuse, indecency and brutality against the Afghan people. However, it is unclear whether the allegations will be investigated.