INTERNATIONAL — June 19, 2026

Russia Calls for Investigation into Killings of Afghan Civilians by British Special Forces

The ministry cited new evidence indicating that British SAS forces may have killed up to 80 Afghan civilians, including elderly people and minors, between 2010 and 2013.

The Ehtebar Desk — originates with ToloNews2 min read

Russia Calls for Investigation into Killings of Afghan Civilians by British Special Forces
Image courtesy ToloNews

The Russian Foreign Ministry has called for a thorough investigation into reports that British special forces killed Afghan civilians. The ministry cited new evidence to support its demand for accountability in the matter.

Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said British SAS forces killed at least 50 Afghan citizens, possibly up to 80, between 2010 and 2013. The deaths occurred under suspicious circumstances, and the victims included both elderly people and minors.

Zakharova stressed the need for a comprehensive investigation and for those responsible to be brought to justice.

Afghan lawyer Javid Mohmand stated that proven cases would amount to war crimes under Article 8 of the Rome Statute. He called for prosecution of the perpetrators and compensation for the victims.

Political analyst Sarwar Niazi emphasized the necessity of impartial investigations into actions by foreign forces in Afghanistan. He said such steps are required to achieve justice for those affected by the conflict.

The ministry's announcement has prompted reactions from Afghan legal and political circles. Experts have urged that any investigation be conducted without bias to address the allegations fully.

Read the original reporting at ToloNews

Reliability assessment

Single source reports on-record statements by named Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova and named Afghan experts (Javid Mohmand, Sarwar Niazi); the verifiable facts are the statements made, which are concrete and attributable

The source language mixes facts with framing or advocacy wording. ToloNews: "extrajudicial killings", "war crimes", "killing of civilians during war is an example of a war crime" – these phrases carry strong legal and moral condemnation, framing the events as proven atrocities rather than allegations under investigation.

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InternationalRussia, United Kingdom, British SAS, Afghanistan, war crimes

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