Afghan president voiced concern over civilians killed by SAS troops, inquiry told
The inquiry into civilian deaths caused by British SAS troops in Afghanistan has revealed significant concerns from former Afghan President Hamid Karzai. Evidence indicates that Afghan partner forces were increasingly reluctant to collaborate with British troops by 2011 due to rising civilian casualties. The inquiry has highlighted the inefficacy of certain military tactics employed during operations, which may have exacerbated the situation.
- ▪Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai expressed strong concerns over civilian casualties caused by British SAS operations.
- ▪By 2011, Afghan partner forces were reportedly unwilling to work alongside British troops due to these concerns.
- ▪The inquiry revealed that tactics used during raids may have led to increased military activity rather than de-escalation.
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British troops in southern Helmand province, Afghanistan. Photograph: Marco Di Lauro/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenBritish troops in southern Helmand province, Afghanistan. Photograph: Marco Di Lauro/Getty ImagesBritish armyAfghan president voiced concern over civilians killed by SAS troops, inquiry toldNewly released evidence from inquiry into 80 deaths shows Afghan partner forces no longer willing to work alongside British by 2011Dan SabbaghThu 28 May 2026 19.01 EDTLast modified on Thu 28 May 2026 19.02 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleConcerns about the number of Afghan civilians being killed by British special forces in the early part of the last decade prompted the country’s then president to make a “muscular” complaint to Nato commanders fighting the Taliban.Newly released…
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