Australian Defence Force Chief Angus Campbell revealed on Wednesday that the United States warned him in 2021 that allegations regarding the killing of prisoners and civilians by Australian special forces in Afghanistan could trigger a law preventing Australia from receiving U.S. defense and security assistance.
Campbell informed a parliamentary committee that he received a letter from the U.S. military attaché in Canberra in March 2021 outlining American concerns.
In 2020, a four-year investigation concluded that Australian special forces "probably" killed 39 unarmed prisoners and civilians in Afghanistan. As a result, Australia referred 19 current and former soldiers for criminal accountability.
The Leahy Law prohibits the U.S. government from using funds or assistance for foreign security forces if there is credible information regarding severe human rights violations. The United States is Australia's largest security ally.
