SAS soldier cleared of war crimes, sent to evacuate Aussies in Kabul

A soldier who was among 13 quietly cleared of war crimes is now assisting with the evacuation of Australians from Afghanistan.

A letter sent quietly to SAS soldiers has told them there is not “sufficient evidence” to support allegations of war crimes against them and they will not be sacked.

The 13 soldiers from the Special Air Service were given notices to show cause why they should not be dismissed in November after Australian Defence Force chief Angus Campbell made a public apology to the country about their conduct.

One of the cleared soldiers accused of war crimes based on “credible information” in the Brereton report has already been sent to Afghanistan to assist with the evacuation of Aussies from Kabul.

Chief of the Australian Defence Force General Angus Campbell has told SAS soldiers they have been cleared of war crimes. Picture: Getty Images

Last week soldiers received a letter on the authority of the Defence chief saying “I am not satisfied that there is sufficient information available to me to refer the matter” to investigators. Instead the letter noted the “very good standard” of service and numerous medals and awards.

“The allegations were made so publicly they did immeasurable harm to morale and now the climb down is being done quietly while everyone else is distracted,” former Special Forces major Heston Russell said.

Sources claim the Brereton report has resulted in a more than 40 per cent discharge rate from the SAS because of the “long-term effects of toxic senior leadership.” And it comes as a Royal Commission has been launched to look into the high rates of veteran suicide.

Mr Russell said the quiet dismissal of the alleged war crimes comes just as events in Afghanistan show how badly Australia needs its Special Forces, including the suddenly cleared soldier now operating in Kabul.

“The problem is that the inquiry has put hesitation into the minds of every member of the defence force,” he said. “Second guessing yourself in Afghanistan can be deadly.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has warned that “despite our best efforts,” in the chaos of trying to get allies out of Kabul “support won’t reach all that it should.”

Mr Russell said that statement had “enraged” Special Forces soldiers because our “best efforts” would see the deployment of the Sydney-based 2nd Commando Regiment. Members of the regiment had spent years in Kabul and know the people on the ground.

“Instead they remain on task committed to supporting Operation Covid Assist out in Western Sydney,” Mr Russell said. “They are filling Covid showbags in a hangar rather than doing the non-combatant evacuation operation they are trained to do.”