Insurgents say they were in the village targeted by controversial SAS raid

One of the authors of the book Hit & Run says insurgents have told him they were in a village raided by the SAS, contrary to what was first published in the book.

The book claims the raid in 2010 killed six civilians and injured 15.

The explosive claims in Hit & Run prompted a $7 million Government inquiry.

Now, one of the authors - Jon Stephenson - says he's spoken to two insurgent commanders who say they were in the village of Naik, and everyone there knew about it.

"They're usually very, very reluctant to speak to western journalists but I think they were concerned that a true account of what happened as they saw it was put before the public," Stephenson said.

It contradicts the claims of local Afghan Government officials and villagers in the neighbouring village of Khak Khuday Dad, who told the authors there were no insurgents living there.  

"In hindsight obviously it would have been better to wait and get more information because it would have substantially affected the way the book was presented," Stephenson said.

But co-author Nicky Hager said the insurgents Stephenson spoke to have actually confirmed the book's key allegation; that it was civilians who were killed and injured that night.

Two days ago, villagers pulled out of participating in the inquiry, saying they were "disillusioned" with the process.

Their lawyer, Deborah Manning, said the most recent information adds to their concerns around safeguards and fairness.

There's very real safety issues for my clients," she said. "They're not in a safe area, and I'm feeling quite uncomfortable about the level of discussion about insurgents when my clients are still in a dangerous situation."

A spokesperson for the inquiry said whether there were insurgents in either or both of the villages is an important issue for the inquiry - but it's one of the many issues the complex inquiry is looking at.

The Defence Force is tight lipped on the developments, a spokesperson only saying they are participating in the inquiry and will continue to do so.

Newshub.