The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that Richard Marles, the Defense Minister of Australia, has stripped distinguished service medals from a number of current and former Defence officers over alleged war crimes that happened under their command in Afghanistan.

According to the report, Australia's Defense Minister confirmed “there is still a prospect of prosecution for personnel accused of war crimes" but "the process would take many years.”

Marles said that the exact number of current and former officers involved is under wraps, with the government saying it is fewer than 10.

Marles said the decision is consistent with the findings and recommendations of the Brereton Report.

In 2020, Australian Judge Paul Brereton addressed the alleged war crimes committed by Australian forces in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016. In these crimes, 39 Afghan civilians were killed, according to the findings.