Former members of the UK’s elite Special Air Service (SAS) and Special Boat Service (SBS) have come forward with explosive claims of war crimes committed by their colleagues during operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. These testimonies, aired by the BBC’s Panorama, allege that British special forces routinely executed unarmed detainees and civilians—some while asleep—and engaged in systematic cover-ups.

Allegations Include Execution of Detainees

Veterans described operations where detainees were allegedly killed while handcuffed, and civilians were shot during nighttime raids. One ex-member said he witnessed multiple instances of unarmed men being executed under pretenses, with weapons later planted to stage combat scenarios. Others cited a “culture of impunity,” where such actions were tolerated and rewarded.

These statements are supported by internal reports and leaked documents, suggesting that official investigations were either suppressed or quietly closed. This raises serious questions about institutional accountability within the Ministry of Defence.

Psychological Profile and Chain of Command Concerns

Some whistleblowers went further, describing specific soldiers as exhibiting “psychopathic traits,” including emotional detachment and a desire to kill. Concerns about how these individuals were selected, managed, and shielded from oversight were raised. Several veterans said they felt morally compromised by their silence and came forward after years of disillusionment.

A recurring claim is that high-level officers were aware of the misconduct but chose to prioritize operational success over legal or ethical compliance. Intelligence justifications for night raids were reportedly flimsy or fabricated.

Government Response and Legal Implications

The UK Ministry of Defence has acknowledged the testimonies and stated it will cooperate with independent investigations. Legal experts say these allegations could lead to prosecutions at the International Criminal Court or under universal jurisdiction statutes in other countries if corroborated.

The disclosures reignite the debate over how democracies manage elite combat units, especially under the veil of national security. If proven, these acts could constitute some of the most serious breaches of international humanitarian law by Western forces in recent decades.