Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:27:03 +0000
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by Marcus Sterling -

Former Australian soldier arrested in Sydney, charged with five war‑crime murders in Afghanistan

Melbourne — A former Australian soldier was arrested at Sydney Airport and charged with five counts of the war crime of murder relating to alleged killings in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. A former Australian soldier was arrested at Sydney Airport and charged with five counts of the war crime of murder for alleged killings of Afghan nationals between 2009 and 2012; media widely identify the accused as Ben Roberts‑Smith.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the accused was arrested after arriving on a flight and that it will be alleged the victims were detained, unarmed and under control of ADF members when killed.

Major Australian outlets and international press widely identify the charged man as Ben Roberts‑Smith, a former Special Air Service Regiment corporal and Victoria Cross recipient. The Office of the Special Investigator (OSI) and Australian Federal Police have been conducting a joint investigation into alleged unlawful killings by Australian forces in Afghanistan since the Brereton Report and subsequent inquiries (investigations began publicly after 2020).

“It will be alleged the victims were not taking part in hostilities at the time of their alleged murder in Afghanistan...the victims were detained, unarmed and were under the control of ADF members when they were killed.” AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said.