UK Special Forces Reject 2,000 Asylum Claims from Afghan Commandos

More than 2,000 resettlement applications from Afghan commandos, known as the Triples, who fought alongside British forces against the Taliban, have been rejected by the UK Special Forces (UKSF), raising significant concerns amid an ongoing inquiry into alleged war crimes by British troops in Afghanistan. Despite the Ministry of Defence (MoD) previously denying a blanket rejection policy, reports reveal that no applications were supported by UKSF, with the command having the authority to veto these claims. The rejections have drawn criticism, particularly as the former commandos, now at risk of Taliban reprisals, could have provided vital testimonies to the inquiry if resettled in the UK. A former Triples officer expressed feelings of betrayal by UKSF, stating delays in the application process have led to tragic consequences for some individuals. The MoD's initial denials regarding the veto power of UKSF have been contradicted by subsequent admissions from former Defence Minister Andrew Murrison, who acknowledged that Parliament had been misled. The situation has sparked outrage among former British military personnel who served with the Afghan units, calling for accountability and transparency in the decision-making process.