Australian soldiers flew Nazi swastika flag in Afghanistan

Government confirms authenticity of photo
showing Third Reich flag over army jeep

One-Minute Read

The Australian broadcaster ABC published the previously-unseen photo
today, alongside expert analysis asserting that it had not been
digitally altered.

The Australian defence ministry confirmed the
authenticity of the photo, which has been met with outrage in the
country and beyond.

“The flag was briefly raised above an Australian
Army vehicle in Afghanistan in 2007,” a spokesperson said, adding
that the commanding officer on the scene “took immediate action to
have the offensive flag taken down”.

“The personnel involved were immediately
cautioned at the time and subsequently received further
counselling.

“Additionally, steps were taken to reinforce
education and training for all personnel who witnessed the
flag.”

In a statement, defence minister Marise Payne
said the actions of the soldiers involved were “completely at odds
with the values of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the tens
of thousands of ADF personnel who have served with distinction in
Afghanistan”.

A source familiar with the incident told the ABC
it had been intended as a “twisted joke” rather than a show of
support for fascism.

The scandal comes as Australian forces’ conduct
during their time as a member of the US-led coalition battling the
Taliban in Afghanistan is under intense public and official
scrutiny.

“Their behaviour between 2005 and 2016, including
accusations that they used illegal force and showed a disregard for
human life during missions, is being investigated by defense
authorities,” Reuters.