Ex-Australian Soldier Arrested Over Alleged Afghanistan War Crimes

Australian police have arrested a former soldier for alleged war crimes in Afghanistan. The arrest is part of a major ongoing investigation into the conduct of Australian special forces. A four-year inquiry previously found evidence that Australian troops unlawfully killed 39 people in Afghanistan. That inquiry referred 19 current and former soldiers for potential criminal prosecution. Authorities confirmed that 39 related cases have now been closed. However, 10 investigations into other alleged offenses by Australian Defense Force members remain active. The arrested man is the first to be charged under this process. He appeared in a local court and was released on strict conditions.