SYDNEY, Nov 27, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Australia’s army on Friday moved to
discharge 13 soldiers following a damning report into conduct in Afghanistan
that prosecutors believe may have constituted war crimes.
Army chief Rick Burr said the personnel had been served “administrative
action notices,” which would terminate their service in two weeks unless they
successfully appealed.
A years-long investigation last week reported that Australia’s elite
special forces “unlawfully killed” 39 civilians and prisoners in Afghanistan,
including by summary execution as part of initiation rituals.
It recommended 19 individuals be referred to Australian Federal Police,
compensation be paid to the families of victims, and that the military carry
out a slew of reforms.
Burr said due process must now be respected as the military looks to bring
those responsible for wrongdoing to justice.
“We are all committed to learning from the inquiry and emerging from this a
stronger, more capable and effective army,” he said.
“Each matter and individual circumstance will be considered on a case-by-
case basis.”
After the September 11, 2001 attacks, more than 26,000 Australian uniformed
personnel were sent to Afghanistan to fight alongside US and allied forces
against the Taliban, Al-Qaeda and other Islamist groups.
Australian combat troops officially left the country in late 2013, but
since then a series of often-brutal accounts have emerged about the conduct
of elite special forces units.