Australia may prosecute soldiers over Afghanistan 'war crimes'

Australia says it will appoint a special investigator to consider prosecutions over alleged war crimes by its soldiers in Afghanistan.

In recent years, reports have emerged alleging unlawful killings of civilians and prisoners by Australian soldiers.

A report into findings from a four-year military inquiry will be published next week.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison warned it would bring "difficult and hard news for Australians".

"There is a significant number of incidents or issues to be investigated further and that investigation will be inherently complex," he said on Thursday.

Mr Morrison said the office of the special investigator would have powers to examine the Australian Defence Force (ADF) report and nominate cases for criminal prosecution.