Operation Burnham: New Zealand Defence Force to be questioned on denial of civilian deaths

Friday, 19 July 2019

An inquiry into a controversial SAS-led raid has ordered the New Zealand Defence Force to explain its denial of civilian deaths.

The alleged death of six Afghan civilians in the 2010 raid is the central question for the $7 million Government inquiry, expected to report back at the end of the year.

On Friday, the inquiry noted discrepancies between a firm denial from the Defence Force (NZDF) and correspondence from the time that acknowledged possible civilian deaths.

It comes after a series of public revelations in recent months, including the release of US Apache helicopter video footage and Jon Stephenson, co-author of the book Hit & Run, publishing an interview with insurgent leaders who admitting they were present the night of the raids.

* New insurgent leader claims 'changes nothing' for Operation Burnham, co-author Nicky Hager says

* Insurgent leaders admit they were in Afghanistan village raided during NZ SAS's Operation Burnham

* Hit & Run inquiry blasts Nicky Hager and lawyers for holding back witnesses**

Footage released in June shows Afghan targets being shot at during an SAS raid.

Hit & Run, jointly published with journalist Nicky Hager, alleged six civilians were killed and 15 injured during an SAS-led night-time raid on villages Khak Khuday Dad and Naik. The book had claimed no insurgents were present in the village that night.

Operation Burnham Inquiry member Sir Geoffrey Palmer during a prior public hearing. (File photo)

Four weeks ago, the lawyers for the Afghan villagers announced their clients were 'completely disillusioned' and would be walking away from the inquiry.

The inquiry has now ordered a public hearing into the Defence Force's insistence no civilians were killed in the operation.

The inquiry is inspecting claims in the book Hit & Run, which alleges six Afghani civilians were killed and 15 injured during the SAS-led operation. (File photo)

Hit & Run co-author Nicky Hager arrives at the inquiry into Operation Burnham. (File photo)

'NZDF personnel have made firm statements publicly that no civilian casualties occurred during Operation Burnham and have supported minister to make similar public statements.

'These actions were taken despite the repeated allegations of civilian casualties in the media and elsewhere.'

NZDF will be asked to prepare briefings on whether an investigation was undertaken into possible civilian deaths after the operation and the justification for its public statements.

The NZDF would continue to participate fully in the inquiry, a spokesperson said.

The week-long hearing will take place between September 16 and 20.

The inquiry will also hold a two-day public hearing on July 29 and 30, inspecting the international law surrounding conflict in Afghanistan.