A probe into "alleged unlawful activity" by SAS troops in Afghanistan will begin early next year, the Government announced today.
Bereaved families welcomed the "unprecedented" inquiry into claims of extrajudicial killings by the Who Dares Wins regiment.
Defence Minister Andrew Murrison told the Commons the investigation would focus on “alleged unlawful activity by British armed forces during deliberate detention operations in Afghanistan in the period mid-2010 to mid-2013."
The families of eight people, including three young boys, who it is alleged were murdered by UK Special Forces in two separate incidents during night raids in Afghanistan in 2011 and 2012 welcomed the announcement.
A member of the Noorzai family said: "Over 10 years ago I lost two of my brothers, my young brother-in-law and a childhood friend, all boys with a life ahead of them.
"I was handcuffed, beaten and interrogated outside our family home by British soldiers.
"My relatives and friend were each shot in the head as they sat drinking tea.
"My family has waited 10 years to find out why this happened.
"We are happy that finally after so many years someone is going to investigate this thoroughly.
"We live in hope that those responsible will one day be held to account."
A member of the Saifullah family said: "I am extremely happy that there are people who value the loss of life of my family, of Afghans, enough to investigate.
"I hope now that an investigation has opened that those who have committed these crimes can be held responsible."
Tessa Gregory, partner at law firm Leigh Day, which represents the families, said: "The allegations of extrajudicial killings and cover up are of such gravity - and the concerns expressed contemporaneously within the British and Afghan army and by a reputable international organisation working on the ground in Afghanistan were so serious and so widespread - that an inquiry should have been instituted by the Government years ago."
The inquiry will be chaired by Lord Justice Sir Charles Haddon-Cave.
He said: “It is important to establish the truth, or otherwise, of the grave allegations which are the focus of the Terms of Reference.
“They touch on the fine reputation of the military and the UK.
“The public, and all those who serve in the military, are entitled to expect a fair, fearless and thorough examination of the facts and clear answers to the questions raised. I will seek to achieve this within a reasonable timescale.”
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