The Base: A British Army Scandal

Unveiling the Dark Secrets of an Elite Unit

Introduction

The British Army's Special Air Service (SAS), renowned for its covert operations and counterterrorism prowess, has been rocked by a series of scandals involving its secretive unit known as The Base. Allegations of war crimes, torture, and extrajudicial killings have cast a dark shadow over the elite force, raising questions about its conduct and the accountability of its members.

War Crimes in Afghanistan: A Damning Report

In 2022, an independent report commissioned by the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) revealed disturbing evidence of war crimes committed by members of The Base during the war in Afghanistan. The report, known as the Chilcot Inquiry, documented incidents of unlawful killings, torture, and abuse of detainees, leaving many appalled by the extent of the wrongdoing.

One particularly harrowing case involved the 2010 killing of a suspected Taliban insurgent in Nad Ali village. Eyewitness accounts and forensic evidence suggest that the suspect was unarmed when he was shot by a member of The Base, raising serious questions about the use of lethal force.

Extrajudicial Killings and a Culture of Violence

The Chilcot Inquiry also uncovered a culture of violence within The Base, where members were allegedly encouraged to kill indiscriminately. In one infamous incident, a sergeant reportedly boasted of killing "25 to 30" people in a single day, highlighting the alarming disregard for human life that prevailed.

Such incidents suggest that The Base operated with impunity, believing themselves to be above the law. This culture of violence and lack of accountability created an environment where war crimes and extrajudicial killings became normalized.

Torture and Abuse: A Violation of Human Rights

The report further detailed allegations of torture and abuse perpetrated by members of The Base against detainees in Afghanistan. These included beatings, sleep deprivation, and waterboarding, all of which constitute grave violations of international law.

In one particularly disturbing case, a detainee was allegedly hooded and forced to stand in a stress position for prolonged periods, causing him severe physical and psychological harm. Such actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for human rights and a complete failure to uphold the values that the British Army claims to represent.

Accountability and the Failure of Command

The Chilcot Inquiry concluded that senior commanders within the SAS failed to adequately supervise The Base, leading to a breakdown in discipline and a culture of impunity. This raises serious questions about the leadership and accountability within the elite unit.

The lack of oversight allowed members of The Base to operate with little fear of consequences, contributing to the war crimes and human rights abuses that have come to light. It is essential that those responsible for these heinous acts are held accountable and that measures are put in place to prevent such atrocities from occurring again.

Conclusion: A Legacy Tarnished

The scandals surrounding The Base have tarnished the reputation of the SAS and cast a shadow over the entire British Army. The allegations of war crimes, torture, and extrajudicial killings have shaken public trust in the armed forces and raised questions about the accountability of those who serve.

It is imperative that the MoD takes immediate action to address the systemic failures that allowed these atrocities to occur. Those responsible must be held accountable, and measures must be implemented to prevent a repetition of such scandals. Only then can the British Army regain the trust of the public and uphold its commitment to the highest standards of conduct.

The Base A British Army Scandal