A UK public inquiry into allegations of unlawful killings by British Special Forces in Afghanistan is facing further delays after the Ministry of Defence discovered about 97 million additional documents that could be relevant to the investigation.
The Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan is examining allegations concerning British Special Forces operations between mid-2010 and mid-2013, including claims of extrajudicial killings and whether subsequent investigations were adequate.
The newly identified material is expected to require extensive review to determine whether it contains evidence relevant to the inquiry. The discovery could therefore delay planned hearings as investigators and lawyers assess the documents.
The inquiry had already delayed part of its proceedings after previously receiving potentially important information. It has conducted both public and closed hearings, with some evidence withheld from public view because of national security concerns.
The investigation was established by the UK government in 2022 and is chaired by Lord Justice Charles Haddon-Cave.
The inquiry has stressed that the publication of evidence does not represent findings on the allegations and that no conclusions should be drawn while the investigation remains ongoing.
The latest development highlights the scale and complexity of the inquiry, which continues to examine serious allegations involving UK military operations in Afghanistan.
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