At least 10 Australian special forces soldiers have been issued termination notices following a damning report recently released regarding the murder of 39 Afghan civilians and prisoners in an initiation ritual called ‘blooding’. The report, last week, revealed that a known 19 current and former Australian soldiers face potential criminal prosecution for killing 39 Afghans, most of whom were unarmed and captured. One report on social media states a man had been shot and killed as there was no space for him to be transported in a helicopter.

The report, by a state judge appointed by the inspector-general of defense, did not identify the 19 soldiers. 10 soldiers, not part of the 19 referred for possible criminal charges, have been formally notified of their impending dismissal. All of them had been witnesses or accessories to the murders.

The Saudi Gazette reports that while Australia’s prime minister and top military commander have apologized, there has been no comment from the country’s Department of Defense.

The report said 25 special forces soldiers had taken part in unlawful killings, either directly or as “accessories”, in 23 separate incidents. 36 incidents in total were recommended for investigation. However, the Saudi Gazette reports that investigations could take years, before possible criminal trials.

Afghanistan has called the murders unforgivable.

Umm Muhammed Umar