Corbyn calls for inquiry into SAS killings claim

Claims that “rogue” SAS soldiers killed unarmed Afghan civilians in cold blood and attempted to cover up the evidence should be subject to an independent inquiry, Jeremy Corbyn has said.

The Labour leader said there is a risk the British armed forces’ reputation for decency and bravery will be undermined unless the claims are investigated.

According to a Sunday newspaper, which quoted senior military police and defence sources, there is “strong evidence” SAS personnel killed rather than captured unarmed Afghan civilians who were suspected of being Taleban insurgents during night raids on their homes.

The allegations emerged in Operation Northmoor, a Royal Military Police (RMP) investigation, a Sunday newspaper reported.

The Ministry of Defence said the RMP found no evidence of criminal behaviour by British armed forces in Afghanistan. Commenting on the claims, Mr Corbyn said: “The allegations of unlawful killings and war crimes in Afghanistan are extremely serious and must be fully investigated.

“Our armed forces have a reputation for decency and bravery. If we do not act on such shocking allegations we risk undermining that reputation and our security at home.”