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Donald Trump’s recent remarks about the involvement of Nato forces in Afghanistan sparked significant controversy among veterans, politicians, and international allies. Initially, Trump suggested in a Fox News interview that Nato troops had largely stayed away from frontline combat in Afghanistan, stating, “They’ll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan… and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines.” His comments prompted widespread backlash, with many viewing them as disrespectful to those who served and sacrificed. Sir Keir Starmer described the statements as “insulting and frankly appalling,” while Prince Harry highlighted the importance of respecting the sacrifices made by troops and noted that Nato’s collective defense clause had been invoked only once—after the 9/11 attacks.
The conflict in Afghanistan began in October 2001 when the US led an invasion aimed at removing the Taliban, who were accused of harboring Osama Bin Laden and al-Qaeda operatives responsible for the September 11 attacks. Nato countries supported the US by deploying troops and military equipment, with coalition forces suffering significant casualties over nearly two decades. By the time the US withdrew in 2021, over 3,500 coalition soldiers had been killed, with approximately two-thirds being American. The UK experienced the second-highest number of military deaths in the conflict, with 457 British soldiers losing their lives, primarily in the Helmand province, which was the site of intense fighting.
Following a phone call between the UK prime minister and President Trump, the US leader took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to offer praise to British troops. He referred to them as “among the greatest of all warriors” and emphasized the strong bond between the US and UK military forces. Trump acknowledged the 457 British soldiers who died or were severely injured in Afghanistan, stating, “The UK military, with tremendous heart and soul, is second to none (except for the USA). We love you all, and always will!” Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch welcomed Trump’s recognition of the UK’s role, underlining that it “should never have been questioned in the first place.”
The backlash extended beyond the UK, with foreign officials and veterans also condemning Trump’s remarks. Canada’s Minister of National Defence, David J. McGuinty, pointed out that Canadian forces were present on the ground in Afghanistan from the outset “because it was the right thing to do.” Similarly, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed shock at Trump’s initial statements and highlighted the sacrifice of her country’s soldiers, noting 53 Italian fatalities and over 700 wounded. American figures, including former national security adviser Herbert Raymond McMaster, labelled the comments as insulting to those who fought alongside the US. Despite Trump’s later comments praising British soldiers, he did not acknowledge the contributions of other Nato allies who participated in the Afghanistan campaign
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