Australia's most-decorated living soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, has been charged over allegations he committed war crimes in Afghanistan. The former Special Air Service (SAS) corporal, who left the defence force in 2013, was arrested at Sydney airport on Tuesday, facing five counts of murder. He is expected to spend the night in a cell before a bail hearing. A previous defamation ruling found Roberts-Smith had unlawfully killed several unarmed Afghan nationals, claims he vehemently denies, labeling the allegations as 'egregious' and 'spiteful'. This case represents a landmark moment, as it is the first time claims of war crimes by Australian forces have been scrutinized in court. The Australian Federal Police confirmed his arrest, alleging that he killed unarmed detainees while serving in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2012. Roberts-Smith is charged with one count of murder, one of jointly commissioning a murder, and three of aiding, abetting, counselling, or procuring a murder. Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated that the victims were killed by Roberts-Smith or by soldiers under his command. A thorough investigation has been ongoing, following findings from the Brereton Report which indicated credible evidence of unlawful killings by elite Australian troops. This high-profile case, which has drawn extensive media coverage, was preceded by a prolonged seven-year defamation legal battle where a Federal Court found Roberts-Smith was involved in multiple killings. This event has implications not only for Roberts-Smith personally but also raises broader questions regarding accountability for military conduct in conflict zones.