The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is seeking a formal investigation into alleged war crimes committed in Afghanistan.
In a statement, Fatou Bensouda said “there is a reasonable basis to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed”.
The actions of the Taliban, the Afghan government and US troops since May 2003 are expected to be examined.
It follows a preliminary investigation that has lasted more than a decade.
That investigation has examined crimes including intentional attacks against civilians, imprisonment and extra-judicial executions.
“Following a meticulous preliminary examination of the situation, I have come to the conclusion that all legal criteria required to commence an investigation have been met”, Ms Bensouda said.
