Defence Secretary Stands by Military Leaders Amid Afghan War Crimes Allegations

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Defence Secretary Stands by Military Leaders Amid Afghan War Crimes Allegations

 

Defence Secretary John Healey has expressed unwavering support for two of Britain’s most senior military officers after they were named in a BBC Panorama investigation alleging war crimes by UK special forces in Afghanistan. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Healey said he had “absolute” confidence in the integrity and leadership of General Sir Roly Walker, head of the army, and General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, who is slated to become the next head of the Royal Navy.

 

The BBC’s investigation broadcast on Monday night alleged that members of Britain’s elite special forces were involved in the unlawful killing of innocent Afghans over a period spanning more than ten years. Both Walker and Jenkins were referenced in the documentary, with claims implicating them in various aspects of how these allegations were handled.

 

Specifically, the programme accused Jenkins of overseeing the dismissal of hundreds of UK resettlement applications submitted by Afghan commandos who had served alongside British forces, particularly the Special Air Service (SAS). Some of those commandos are thought to be potential witnesses in an inquiry into alleged extrajudicial killings, having been present at key moments on the ground.

 

Jenkins, a former vice-chief of the defence staff and one-time director of special forces, was reportedly sent transcripts of conversations in 2011 in which members of the special forces discussed unlawful killings. While he did inform his superior of the contents, the evidence was not passed on to military police. Instead, according to the BBC, it was stored in a classified dossier locked in a safe.

 

When asked directly whether he retained confidence in Walker and Jenkins despite the investigation, Healey responded, “Yes, absolutely.” He continued, “I’ve worked very closely with both,” describing Jenkins as his strategic advisor in recent months, particularly on significant export deals. “I’ve worked very closely with Roly Walker as the new chief of the general staff as well,” he added, reinforcing his view that both men remain fit for leadership.

 

Jenkins was anticipated to be named the new first sea lord last week, but the announcement was unexpectedly delayed. Instead, attention turned to Admiral Sir Ben Key, the current first sea lord, who is reportedly under investigation following allegations of an affair with a junior officer.

 

Despite the delay in Jenkins’ formal appointment, sources within the Ministry of Defence have maintained confidence in him. “One of the good guys in this,” said one defence source, suggesting that Jenkins would ultimately be cleared of wrongdoing. This sentiment, the source added, is echoed by many others within the ministry.

 

The BBC’s investigation has reignited public scrutiny over the conduct of British forces during the war in Afghanistan and raised questions about how internal reports of misconduct were handled. Yet the firm backing from the defence secretary signals that, for now, the government is standing behind its top military figures amid the controversy.

 

Related Topic:

Breaking the Silence: Former UK Special Forces Reveal Allegations of War Crimes

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Times  2025-05-15