The Australian Army Commander detailed the investigation showing that 39 Afghan prisoners or civilians were killed, not in the fighting, but while imprisoned unarmed. Young soldiers had to kill a civilian as a hazing ritual, according to credible information. Afterwards, those responsible would have covered up the act by staging a fight. According to the general, the report exposes a “shameful tale of a” self-centered warrior culture “.
The investigation report outlines a climate of “toxic competitiveness within the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS),” that is, the Air Force’s special forces. Because of that envy, “some troops took advantage of the rules or twisted or ignored them,” Campbell said. About 25 soldiers are said to have been involved in the wrongful murders.
–
