Inquiry into SAS Afghan conduct starts

The government inquiry into claims Special Air Service (SAS) soldiers were responsible for Afghan civilian deaths will begin this week, with arguments about whether it should be held in secret.

Former residents of Afghan villages allegedly raided by the New Zealand Defence Force, and the media, want proceedings to be heard in public.

But government agencies are worried about classified information and sensitive witnesses, including the elite soldiers, and argue evidence should be heard behind closed doors.

The inquiry is examining claims in Hit & Run, a book by investigative journalists Nicky Hager and Jon Stephenson.

The book detailed three raids by SAS soldiers in 2010 in Tirgiran Valley. The authors said six civilians – including a 3-year- old girl – were killed and 15 injured, and the events later covered up by the military.

The book alleges the Kabulbased soldiers were motivated by revenge on insurgents for the death of Kiwi Lieutenant Tim O’Donnell, who was killed two weeks earlier.

The Defence Force denies that and maintains the book contains errors. Former Defence Force chief Lieutenant General Tim Keating said Operation Burnham was ‘‘lawfully carried out, with clear rules of engagement’’.

Military top brass want the inquiry to be held behind closed doors, and have been supported by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Security Intelligence Service and the Government Communications Security Bureau.

The former residents of Khak Khuday Dad and Naik argue transparency and public access are key to an ‘‘effective and independent’’ investigation.

The inquiry, established in April, is headed by Sir Geoffrey Palmer and Sir Terence Arnold and expected to take a year.