Elite Afghan troops' resettlement applications hindered by UK special forces.

UK Special Forces have been accused of blocking Afghan troops who fought alongside them from relocating to the UK after the Taliban took control. Leaked documents reveal that special forces rejected applications for resettlement, even when there was compelling evidence of their service alongside the British military. The Afghan troops, known as the "Triples," were at significant risk of reprisal from the Taliban for supporting UK Special Forces. Many of them had their applications rejected and have since faced violence or death at the hands of the Taliban. The Ministry of Defence is conducting an independent review of the rejected applications. Documents show that UK Special Forces had the power to approve or deny sponsorship for the Triples, raising concerns about a conflict of interest. Some former members of the SAS, the elite special forces regiment, believe that the veto power given to UK Special Forces was an attempt to cover up alleged war crimes committed during operations in Afghanistan. The Triples are potential witnesses in a public inquiry investigating these allegations. Lawyers supporting the Triples have accused the UK government of rejecting applications under a "blanket policy." The Ministry of Defence confirmed that UK Special Forces had the authority to reject applications but stated that final decisions were made by Arap caseworkers. The review of the rejected applications will consider all available evidence. Military figures who served alongside the Triples have disputed the claim by Armed Forces Minister James Heappey that the government did not have comprehensive employment or payment records for the Afghan troops. Former Royal Military Police investigators have also accused UK Special Forces of obstructing their inquiries into alleged war crimes committed by the SAS.