SAS claim 'propaganda'

A member of the NZ SAS on patrol in Afghanistan. Photo / Supplied.

A former top soldier believes a claim that New Zealand SAS troops botched a raid in Afghanistan last week may be Taleban propaganda.

Former Chief of Army Major General Lou Gardiner (retired) said SAS troops were too disciplined and too well trained to do what they were accused of by an Afghan man whose factory was raided.

Nawid Shah Sazhizada, reportedly said the New Zealand troops opened fire first but the New Zealand Defence Force said the troops fired in self-defence.

Two security guards were killed and two wounded in the action.