Sydeny: Australia's defence minister claimed on Wednesday that the United States had forewarned him in 2021 that allegations that Australian special forces soldiers had killed prisoners and civilians in Afghanistan might result in a law forbidding American aid.

The biggest security alliance ally of Australia is the United States.
Angus Campbell, the Chief of Defence Force, revealed to a parliamentary committee that the US defence attaché in Canberra had written him a letter in March 2021 outlining their concern.

The Brereton report, a four-year investigation, concluded in 2020 that 39 unarmed prisoners and civilians were allegedly killed in Afghanistan by Australian special forces. As a result, Australia reported 19 active-duty and former soldiers for possible criminal prosecution.

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In response to inquiries from the committee, Campbell acknowledged receiving the letter from the US defence attaché, which stated that "that report, because it had credible information of allegations of what the United States would call gross violations of human rights, may — may — trigger Leahy Law considerations with regards to the relationship between the United States Armed Forces and a partner unit or organisation."

A request for comment from the US Embassy in Canberra did not immediately receive a response.

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The special air services regiment or special operations command, according to Campbell, is the unit in question. Because of "the question of whether Leahy Law issues may be, may emerge," he added, an Australian soldier had his posting changed.

In cases where there is reliable information of flagrant human rights violations, the Leahy Law forbids the US government from using funds or providing assistance to units of foreign security forces.

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Assistance can be resumed if a government takes effective action to bring the guilty parties to justice, claims a fact sheet from the US government.
Both Richard Marles, the current defence minister, and the defence minister at the time, according to Campbell, were unaware of the letter.

The longest military engagement by Australia in a hostilities began in Afghanistan in September 2001 and lasted until mid-June 2021.