Military Confirms: Special Forces Rejected 2,000 Legitimate Asylum Requests by Afghan Commandos

Ben Taggart Commandos from the Afghan ‘Triples’ units went into hiding after the Taliban took over the country.

The UK Special Forces command rejected resettlement applications from more than 2,000 Afghan commandos who had shown credible evidence of service in units that fought alongside the SAS and SBS. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed for the first time. Despite these units having participated in life-threatening missions against the Taliban with British forces, UK Special Forces officers appear to have rejected every application from a former Afghan commando referred to them for sponsorship.

The MoD had previously denied there was a blanket policy rejecting members of these ‘Triple’ units but has not provided any evidence that UKSF supported any resettlement applications. When asked if UKSF had ever backed such applications, the MoD declined to answer.

Known as the Triple Afghan Commando GroupsCF 333 and ATF 444they were set up, trained, and paid by UK Special Forces and worked closely with SAS and SBS units in Afghanistan. After Taliban took over in 2021, they faced a grave risk of reprisals and had the right to apply for resettlement in the UK.

The rejection of these applications has led to significant controversy. Commandos who fought alongside British forces “like brothers” feel betrayed by the widespread rejections, calling for transparency from Special Forces regarding their reasons.

A legal challenge is now being brought against aspects of this review process, including decisions not to inform applicants whether their cases are under consideration or disclose criteria used in selecting which applications will be reviewed. The Ministry of Defence has faced criticism over its lack of disclosure and failure to provide necessary documentation from within UK Special Forces.

New evidence also revealed that the MoD may have rejected some applicants who served with UKSF after 2014, without referring them for sponsorship. This policy was kept secret from applicants. Officers serving in these units argue against claims they ceased supporting British-led operations post-2014.