Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles announced that several current and former military commanders have been stripped of medals due to alleged war crimes committed in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016.

The decision follows recommendations from Maj. Gen. Paul Brereton, who found that Australian troops were involved in the unlawful killings of 39 Afghans.

Marles emphasized that the medals were revoked not for the commanders’ direct actions but because of their responsibility as leaders.

The decision faced criticism from the Australian Special Air Service Association, which argued it undermined the sacrifices of soldiers, the Associated Press has reported.

No Australian veteran has been convicted, but investigations and legal actions continue.

Written by B.C. Begley