Australia investigates war crimes by soldiers in Afghanistan

Australia’s military watchdog has launched a probe into reports of possible war crimes committed by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan over the past years.

According to reports, the office of the Inspector-General of the Australian Defense Force made the announcement in a statement on Friday, saying that it was conducting an inquiry “into rumors of possible breaches of the Laws of Armed Conflict” by Australian troops in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016.

“The inquiry would like anyone who has information regarding possible breaches of the Laws of Armed Conflict by Australian forces in Afghanistan, or rumors of them, to contact the inquiry,” the statement read.

New South Wales Supreme Court and Army Reserve officer Judge Paul Brereton made a public plea for further information and asked for anyone with relevant information to come forward.

“{While the inquiry has already spoken to many sources, we would like to hear from anyone else who has any relevant information,” Major-General Brereton said. “Whether you saw something yourself, or heard others talking about it, we would like you to contact us.”

Brereton, who is in charge of the inquiries, said, “Arrangements can be made for information to be received face-to-face,” and promised that the identity of people providing information would be kept confidential.

SS