British special forces killed nine allegedly “unarmed” people “in their beds” during an Afghanistan night raid, an independent inquiry has heard.
The inquiry was first launched after a controversial BBC Panorama which revealed claims that an SAS squadron killed 54 people in suspicious circumstances on a six-month tour.
Family members say the nine victims were unarmed civilians while the SAS claims the troops acted in self-defence.
During hearings at the Royal Courts of Justice which started on Monday, claims were made that the special forces were “abusing” night raids.
The SAS said they had shot the people after being fired upon during one of their deliberate detention operations between 2010 and 2013.
Lead counsel to the inquiry, Oliver Glasgow KC, described the details of seven different missions which saw 33 people killed, including children.
The nine allegedly unlawful killings are claimed to have taken place in the Nad Ali district of Helmand Province.
It is said to have occurred while families gathered before a wake on 7 February 2011 while they were sleeping in a single-room outbuilding. The owner of the raided home claims he was awoken by the “noise of shouting and gunshots”. Soldiers then allegedly took him from his room to be “interrogated and beaten”.
Mr Glasgow said: “The family insist that all the deceased were innocent civilians, that no-one in the compound was armed and that there were no weapons present.
“We anticipate the evidence from the families will be that they were shot in bed, most likely while asleep.”
MORE TO FOLLOW…
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Source: Read Full Article