The Resettlement of Afghan Special Forces: A New Chapter for the ‘Triples’
In the wake of the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan, the fate of Afghan special forces soldiers who collaborated with British military units has become a pressing humanitarian issue. Among these elite units, known as the ‘Triples,’ many soldiers faced rejection when seeking refuge in the UK after the Taliban takeover in 2021. However, recent developments indicate a shift in policy that could provide a lifeline for these brave individuals.
Understanding the ‘Triples’
The ‘Triples’ refer to specialized Afghan military units that were established, funded, and trained by the UK. These elite forces played a crucial role in counter-terrorism operations and were instrumental in supporting British military objectives in Afghanistan. Their training and operational collaboration with the UK’s Special Air Service (SAS) forged a strong bond, making them key allies in the fight against insurgency.
The Initial Rejections
Following the Taliban’s takeover, approximately 2,000 Afghan soldiers from these special forces units applied for resettlement in the UK. However, under the previous government, many of these applications were denied. The reasons for these rejections were varied, but they often stemmed from bureaucratic inefficiencies and poor record-keeping. This left many soldiers, who had risked their lives alongside British forces, vulnerable to Taliban reprisals.
A Change in Policy
In a significant policy shift, the current government has begun to reassess these rejected applications. Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard announced in the House of Commons that a review had uncovered errors in the initial decision-making process. He stated that some applications were wrongly turned down due to a lack of access to proper digital records and challenges in information sharing across government departments.
Pollard emphasized that there was no evidence of "malicious intent" behind the initial decisions, attributing the failures to systemic issues rather than deliberate oversight. The review has already resulted in the overturning of 25% of the previous rejections, indicating a commitment to rectifying past mistakes.
New Evidence and Urgency
The review revealed that some Afghan soldiers had been directly compensated by the UK government for their services, which qualifies them for resettlement. This crucial evidence had been overlooked during the initial assessments, highlighting the need for a thorough and fair review process. Pollard noted the urgency of the situation, as many of these soldiers remain at risk under Taliban rule, with reports of targeted killings surfacing.
Ongoing Review Process
While the review has made significant strides, Pollard cautioned that not all Triples would automatically qualify for relocation. Each application is being considered on its own merits, and officials are still diligently reassessing cases to ensure that the correct decisions are made. Shadow Veterans Minister Andrew Bowie welcomed the continuation of the review, emphasizing the importance of making fair and timely decisions on these sensitive applications.
Conclusion
The plight of the Afghan special forces, particularly the ‘Triples,’ underscores the complexities of international military alliances and the responsibilities that come with them. As the UK government works to rectify past errors and provide a safe haven for those who stood alongside British forces, it is a reminder of the sacrifices made by these soldiers and the ongoing challenges they face. The path forward remains fraught with difficulties, but the recent policy changes offer a glimmer of hope for those who have risked everything for their country and their allies.