Afghan special forces heroes set for sanctuary in UK after government U-turn

Get the free Morning Headlines e-mail for information from our reporters internationally

Sign as much as our free Morning Headlines e-mail

Hundreds of Afghan special forces troopers deserted by Britain regardless of risking their lives to struggle towards the Taliban are set to lastly be given sanctuary in the UK in a significant victory for The Independent.

Some 400 troopers who served in two specialist models may have their functions to settle in the UK reviewed after the Ministry of Defence determined to vary the way it assesses the troopers’ claims.

The dramatic U-turn comes after a joint investigation by The Independent, Lighthouse Reports and Sky News revealed how troopers had been subjected to homicide and torture by the hands of the Taliban after being denied assist by the UK government, regardless of in depth proof displaying they had been paid, skilled and labored ‘shoulder to shoulder’ with British special forces.

The two models are often known as the Triples as a result of their full titles are the Afghan Commando Force 333 and Afghan Territorial Force 444.

Our six-month lengthy investigation revealed how their circumstances weren’t being correctly thought of by the government, despite the fact that they fitted the factors for assist underneath the flagship Arap scheme, designed to relocate eligible Afghans who served with the British.

We discovered that in some circumstances seemingly no consideration had been given to official certificates and ID playing cards displaying their closeness with the UK special forces (UKSF). In different situations, references from British colleagues and proof of a payslip from the UK, had been ignored.

At least six Triples’ members have been murdered by the Taliban for the reason that West’s withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021.

Now, after intense lobbying inside government,The Independent understands ministers have agreed to evaluate the troopers’ functions after accepting they had been certainly paid by the British.

If profitable, the special forces troopers will likely be allowed to carry their relations with them to the UK – that means hundreds in worry of their lives in Afghanistan and Pakistan might be given sanctuary.

Campaigners who’ve supported the troopers welcomed the information and referred to as on the government to do “everything in its power to relocate these men and their families as soon as possible”. They questioned the integrity of the MoD’s decision-making and raised issues on the division’s want to take care of a “case-by-case” evaluate.

Colonel Simon Diggins, a former defence attaché in Kabul, mentioned he was “pleased to hear that the government has committed to review the Triples’ cases and that MoD has finally acknowledged – as has been long argued by many veterans – that these Afghan soldiers, who were paid by as well as trained and mentored by the UK, deserve our support and sanctuary.”

He added: “I note that there is still a case-by-case review process planned: this must not be used as a delaying tactic as these brave men and their families are at risk. This must take days, not years.”

Timing is important as as much as 200 of the special forces who’re residing in Pakistan are additionally going through potential deportation again to the Taliban if the UK doesn’t relocate them quickly.

Security minister Tom Tugendhat mentioned: “We should never have left our comrades behind. [Veterans minister] Johnny Mercer has been working hard to turn this around.”

A parliamentary assertion on the adjustments is anticipated this week from the Ministry of Defence.

The Independent additionally understands that questions have been requested by officers working for the Independent Inquiry referring to Afghanistan, which is investigating alleged battle crimes dedicated by the UK Special Forces in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013, over the UKSF’s unwillingness to approve Triples’ circumstances for UK resettlement.

When a former member of both the CF333 and ATF444 unit applies for assist to the MoD, their case is referred to the UKSF for investigation, our investigation discovered. According to sources, the UKSF has been obstructing the method and never approving many circumstances, resulting in what had been successfully blanket rejections.

It is known that, earlier than the U-turn, there was a sense inside the MoD that it could be too laborious to assist the Triples as a result of the UKSF had been failing to cooperate. Independent Inquiry officers are notably in the Triples’ models as a result of they are able to present testimony that’s related to the inquiry, sources say.

Professor Sara de Jong, from charity the Sulha Alliance, mentioned: “This U-turn shows that the government can put things right after they get something wrong. Unfortunately, the special forces cases are not the only wrong decisions that desperately need a review. Our casework of interpreters and labourers also shows a catalogue of errors.”

Sarah Fenby-Dixon, Afghanistan guide on the Refugee Aid Network, mentioned: “This apparent change in government policy towards the Triples is very welcome and long overdue.

“It is testimony to the tireless campaigning by lawyers, journalists and volunteers who recognised the horrific threats and attacks faced by these men as a direct result of their work alongside UK forces.

“It is now imperative that the government does everything in its power to relocate these men and their families as soon as possible.”

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence mentioned they might not remark “on speculation” and insisted that any Arap functions can be assessed on a “case-by-case basis”.

They added: “We are honouring our dedication to these courageous Afghans who supported the UK mission in Afghanistan, and have been granted settled standing.

“So far, we’ve introduced round 24,600 folks to security from Afghanistan, together with over 15,200 folks from the Arap scheme, which is likely one of the most beneficiant of any nation, and hundreds of Afghans eligible for our resettlement schemes.”