NYT Probe Renews Scrutiny of US War Crimes in Afghanistan

DID Press: A new investigative report by New York Times daily has revealed what it describes as a pattern of double standards and structural impunity for U.S. forces accused of war crimes in Afghanistan — including cases involving extrajudicial killings, torture, and attacks on medical facilities — that were closed without serious accountability, while some of the accused were even promoted.

The investigation reveals extensive violations of the laws of war by American military personnel during the two-decade conflict in Afghanistan. According to the Times, incidents such as killing of detainees, torture of Afghanistan prisoners, and the 2015 airstrike on Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) hospital in Kunduz ‌were not only left largely unpunished but were met with silence — and in some cases, supported — by senior commanders within U.S. Special Operations.

Two high-profile cases were highlighted in the report. The first involves Major Matthew Golsteyn, a U.S. Special Forces officer who admitted to killing a detainee and burning the body. Although he was initially charged, he later received a pardon. The second case centers on the Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) unit in Kunduz, where credible evidence suggested the torture and execution of nine Afghanistani prisoners. Despite the findings, no charges were brought against any American personnel.

Critics say these cases reflect a culture of “blind loyalty” and systemic immunity within the U.S. military, where instead of accountability, alleged perpetrators have received promotions or were commended.. The 2015 airstrike on Kunduz hospital — which killed 42 civilians, including MSF staff and patients — is cited as a glaring example of this policy.

Data from London-based group Action on Armed Violence shows that between 2016 and 2020 alone, nearly 4,000 civilians were killed in U.S.-led operations in Afghanistan, including 1,598 children.

In addition to the civilian death toll, the U.S. Department of Defense came under further criticism in 2016 after images were released showing the abuse and mistreatment of Afghanistan and Iraqi detainees, shedding more light on the extent of wartime misconduct.