Australia moves to strip medals from Afghanistan unit commanders

SYDNEY: Australia on Thursday moved to strip medals from Afghanistan war commanders whose units were involved in alleged war crimes and “unlawful conduct”.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said the decision -- related to specific unit commanders who were in charge between 2005 and 2016 -- was needed to “address the wrongs of the past”.

Fewer than ten commanders will be stripped of their awards, but their names will not be released for privacy reasons.

An official inquiry has found that during an 11-year period, Australia´s elite special forces “unlawfully killed” 39 civilians and prisoners in Afghanistan, including by summary execution as part of initiation rituals.

A damning report into the matter found a “sub-culture of elitism and deviation from acceptable standards”, Marles said, which “warranted the most serious, considered and thorough response”.

The report made 143 recommendations -- including a medal review -- and suggested 19 individuals be referred to Australian Federal Police.

It also suggested compensation be paid to the families of victims and that the military carry out a slew of reforms.