While the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill continues its progress through the UK Parliament, in Australia the publication of a report into alleged breaches of the Law of Armed Conflict by members of that country's Special Forces is now said to be imminent.

Read on for updates following release of IGADF (Brereton) Afghanistan Inquiry Report on 19 Nov 2020.

This is a national matter for our close Australian allies and Commonwealth partners, but without prejudging what might emerge from the report and any subsequent police investigations and judicial proceedings, it may help to remind us that mistakes and worse can happen, even among the most highly trained and best equipped personnel, during sustained overseas operations.

This Oct 2019 article by the Executive Director of the Australia Defence Association gives an informative introduction to the origins of this controversy: 

• Australia Defence Association - Special Forces issues have deep historical roots

Updates following release of IGADF Report:

• IGADF Afghanistan Inquiry Report - public release version (PDF)
• Key findings of Brereton report - Guardian 19.11.2020
• Inside look at damning report into Australian special forces soldiers... Daily Mail 19.11.2020