Australia’s most decorated living soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, has been arrested and is set to face multiple war crimes charges over alleged killings of unarmed civilians during his deployment in Afghanistan.

The 47-year-old former member of the Australian Defence Force was detained at Sydney Airport on Tuesday morning, according to authorities. The Australian Federal Police said he will be charged with five counts of war crime murder linked to incidents between 2009 and 2012. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said prosecutors will allege that the victims were not participating in hostilities at the time of their deaths. “It will be alleged the victims were detained, unarmed and under the control of ADF members when they were killed,” she told a press conference.

Investigators further allege that the victims were either shot by Roberts-Smith himself or killed by subordinates acting on his orders and in his presence.

Roberts-Smith, a recipient of the prestigious Victoria Cross for his service, rose to national prominence following six tours of Afghanistan between 2006 and 2012. He has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing.

The accusations first emerged in 2018 through investigative reporting by Nine Entertainment newspapers, which alleged, among other claims, that he was involved in the killing of unarmed detainees.

Roberts-Smith launched a defamation case against the publications, but in 2023 a Federal Court judge found that key allegations—including multiple unlawful killings—were substantially true. His final appeal was dismissed by the High Court of Australia in September 2025.

The case forms part of a broader investigation into alleged war crimes by Australian special forces during the Afghanistan conflict. A landmark 2020 inquiry found credible evidence that members of the Special Air Service Regiment were involved in the unlawful killing of dozens of unarmed prisoners.

A joint investigation by the AFP and the Office of the Special Investigator was launched in 2021 and has since examined dozens of cases. Officials say the process has been complex, in part due to the lack of access to crime scenes in Afghanistan.

Authorities confirmed that more than 50 investigations have been initiated, with several still ongoing. Another former special forces soldier is expected to stand trial on similar charges next year.

Roberts-Smith is due to appear in a local court in New South Wales later on Tuesday.

Members of the Afghan diaspora in the United States have joined a widening wave of international condemnation over recent Pakistani military strikes on Afghan territory, as tensions along the disputed Durand Line continue to escalate.

A group of Afghan citizens in Sacramento gathered this week to denounce the attacks, describing them as a violation of sovereignty and a threat to civilian lives. Participants issued a formal resolution calling on the international community to investigate the strikes and hold those responsible accountable.

Speakers at the event warned that continued military action risks deepening instability in the region, urging global leaders to take the situation seriously and push for measures to prevent further escalation.

The gathering in California follows a series of protests held last week by Afghan communities in Europe, highlighting growing concern among the diaspora over the deteriorating security situation.

In London, hundreds of demonstrators marched through central streets, chanting slogans against the strikes and calling for urgent international intervention.

Protesters pointed to rising civilian casualties in eastern Afghanistan and warned that repeated shelling along the Durand Line could further destabilize already fragile local communities.

Meanwhile, in Oslo, members of the Afghan community gathered outside the Norwegian Parliament to voice similar concerns. Organizers said a formal resolution was submitted to national authorities, as well as to the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, urging immediate steps to halt the violence and ensure civilian protection.

The demonstrations come amid renewed tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where cross-Durand Line clashes and artillery exchanges have periodically flared. Analysts warn that without sustained diplomatic engagement, the situation risks escalating into a broader security crisis with far-reaching regional implications.

Lucknow Super Giants edged out Sunrisers Hyderabad in a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter on Sunday, completing a tense run chase in the final over to register a crucial early-season win.

Batting first, Sunrisers posted a competitive total built around a fluent innings from Heinrich Klaasen, who once again demonstrated his ability to accelerate in the middle overs. He found support from the top order, helping the hosts set what looked like a defendable target on a surface offering some assistance to bowlers.

In response, Lucknow’s chase was steady rather than explosive. Early wickets threatened to derail their innings, but captain Rishabh Pant played a composed and calculated knock, anchoring the innings while rotating strike effectively.

Nicholas Pooran provided a late surge with some aggressive hitting, shifting momentum back in Lucknow’s favour.

The match went down to the wire, with Sunriser’s bowlers applying pressure in the death overs through tight lines and clever variations. However, Lucknow kept their composure, finding the boundaries when needed to cross the line with just one delivery remaining.

The win gives Lucknow Super Giants valuable momentum in the opening phase of the tournament, while Sunrisers Hyderabad will take positives from their batting performance but look to tighten their execution at the death.

Focus now moves to Monday’s fixture which sees Kolkata Knight Riders face Punjab Kings in what is expected to be a high-tempo contest.

Kolkata’s strength lies in their all-round depth, with power hitters and a varied bowling attack capable of adapting to different conditions. Punjab Kings, on the other hand, will be banking on their explosive top order and improved bowling unit to deliver a more complete performance.

Both teams are still shaping their combinations, making this an important match for building rhythm and consistency as the league stage progresses.

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