Australia to Revoke Military Awards Amid War Crimes Allegations

Australia will strip military awards from several war veterans after a report found credible information about war crimes committed under their command in Afghanistan. Defence Minister Richard Marles announced the decision following a four-year inquiry led by Major General Paul Brereton. The government has not disclosed the names or number of affected officers.

Australia will revoke military awards from a group of veterans due to allegations of war crimes committed by soldiers under their command in Afghanistan, Defence Minister Richard Marles announced Thursday.

A four-year inquiry led by Major General Paul Brereton revealed credible information about the unlawful killing of 39 people by 25 Australian Defence Force members. The inquiry also highlighted a disturbing culture of forcing junior recruits to kill defenseless captives as a form of initiation, known as 'blooding.'

Marles, delivering the final recommendations from the Brereton Report, informed several officers that their medals would be withdrawn. These allegations are considered some of the most severe in Australia's military history and are deemed a national disgrace.

The names and number of officers losing their awards have not been disclosed. Nineteen current and former military personnel were referred to a special investigator to assess the evidence for potential prosecution.

Australia was part of a NATO-led force in Afghanistan for two decades, contributing over 39,000 troops, with 41 losing their lives.

(With inputs from agencies.)