Ben Roberts-Smith denies war crimes

Former SAS corporal Ben Roberts-Smith has issued his first public statement since being released from a Sydney jail, vowing to 'categorically' fight five counts of murder.

The charges stem from investigations into his conduct during military service in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012.

Roberts-Smith expressed pride in his service while asserting that the allegations against him are false.

His release on bail marks a significant turn in a legal saga that has captivated the Australian public and military community.