Australian authorities have arrested a former special forces soldier over alleged war crimes committed during operations in Afghanistan, police said Tuesday, as part of a long-running investigation into misconduct by elite troops.
The Australian Federal Police confirmed the arrest of a 47-year-old former soldier, widely identified in local media as Ben Roberts-Smith, a highly decorated veteran and Victoria Cross recipient.
Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the accused has been linked to multiple alleged killings of unarmed prisoners in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012.
She stated that the victims were not participating in hostilities at the time of the alleged incidents, adding that charges would include five counts of war crime — murder. Authorities allege the victims were either directly shot by the accused or by subordinates acting on his orders.
Roberts-Smith, a former member of the Special Air Service Regiment, was once regarded as one of Australia’s most highly decorated living soldiers, having been awarded the Victoria Cross for “conspicuous gallantry” during combat operations in Afghanistan.
However, his reputation came under scrutiny following media reports in 2018 that linked him to alleged misconduct involving unarmed Afghan detainees. Those reports prompted formal investigations and renewed legal and military scrutiny into alleged war crimes by Australian personnel.
He has consistently denied all allegations and previously launched legal action against media organisations that published the claims.
A 2020 military inquiry found that Australian special forces personnel had unlawfully killed 39 Afghan civilians and prisoners, citing allegations of summary executions and other serious violations. The findings intensified calls for accountability and led to further investigations into individuals who served in Afghanistan.
Australia deployed approximately 39,000 troops to Afghanistan over two decades as part of US- and NATO-led operations against the Taliban. In recent years, returning veterans and their actions during the conflict have come under increasing legal and public examination as authorities pursue accountability for alleged breaches of international law.
The case remains ongoing, with further legal proceedings expected following the arrest.