The UK government has strongly pushed back against comments made by former US President Donald Trump, who claimed that NATO troops avoided frontline combat during the war in Afghanistan. Downing Street said the statement was wrong and failed to reflect the sacrifices made by allied forces, including British troops, during years of intense military operations.
Trump’s Remarks Spark Diplomatic Response
Donald Trump recently suggested that NATO soldiers were largely absent from direct fighting in Afghanistan, implying that US forces carried the main burden of combat. His comments quickly drew criticism from UK officials, who said the claim ignores the reality on the ground during the conflict.
British forces were involved in some of the most dangerous areas of Afghanistan, including Helmand province, where they faced regular attacks and suffered significant casualties.
UK Highlights NATO’s Frontline Role
Downing Street emphasized that NATO allies played a vital and active role throughout the mission. Troops from the UK and other partner nations carried out combat operations, trained Afghan security forces, and worked alongside US soldiers in high-risk environments.
Officials stressed that thousands of NATO personnel lost their lives or were injured during the conflict, underscoring that allied involvement went far beyond support roles.
Defending the Legacy of Allied Forces
The UK government said it was important to correct the record and defend the service of NATO troops who served in Afghanistan over two decades. According to officials, comments that downplay allied contributions risk undermining the shared efforts and sacrifices made by multiple nations during one of the longest military campaigns in modern history.
