Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the UK's Chief of Defence Staff, provided testimony at the Royal Courts of Justice as part of an inquiry into alleged murders by special forces in Afghanistan. The inquiry aims to determine whether there was a policy in place between 2010 and 2013 for executing males of "fighting age."
Afghan families have leveled accusations against UK special forces, alleging their involvement in what they describe as a "campaign of murder" against civilians. Additionally, they claim that senior officers and individuals within the Ministry of Defence (MoD) hindered proper investigations into these allegations.
During his testimony, Admiral Radakin emphasized that the policy of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), a multinational mission in Afghanistan in which the UK played a significant role, centered on "gaining the consent and support of the population." He stressed the importance of avoiding civilian casualties whenever possible.
In response to a question from inquiry counsel Oliver Glasgow KC, Admiral Radakin indicated that the policy aimed to minimize harm to civilians.