Ex-Australian Soldier Faces Arrest for War Crimes in Afghanistan

2026-04-07 04:55:43

(MENAFN) Australian authorities arrested a former soldier Tuesday at Sydney Airport in connection with alleged war crimes committed in Afghanistan.

As stated by reports, federal police and the Office of the Special Investigator said the 47-year-old is expected to face five counts of murder in Uruzgan province between 2009 and 2012.

While the statement did not name the individual, media reports have identified him as Ben Roberts-Smith, one of Australia’s most highly decorated soldiers.

If found guilty, each count of murder carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Authorities noted that a total of 53 investigations into alleged war crimes by Australian Defense Force personnel in Afghanistan have been opened. Of these, 39 cases are no longer active, while 14 remain ongoing, including 10 current investigations and four on hold. One case has already resulted in a former Special Forces member being charged with war-crime murder, with a trial scheduled for February 2027.

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