Brief
Downing Street rebukes Pete Hegseth’s claim NATO allies fought little in Afghanistan
The UK government condemned former US defence secretary Pete Hegseth’s comments that most non‑US NATO forces did not engage in combat in Afghanistan.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Downing Street on Wednesday criticised former US defence secretary Pete Hegseth for suggesting that the majority of NATO allies in Afghanistan did not take part in combat operations, saying the remarks diminish the sacrifices of British and other coalition forces.
What happened
During a speech on Saturday, Hegseth, a former Minnesota Army National Guard instructor, recalled seeing "50 flags at the headquarters" of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Kabul and then claimed that only one or two nations were actually involved in kinetic operations. He added that the ISAF acronym was a joke meaning “I Saw Americans Fighting”.
What the reports add
The Guardian reported that Downing Street’s response came as the UK’s No 10 office sought to distance itself from President Donald Trump’s increasingly conciliatory stance toward Russia and his criticism of Ukraine. The statement also referenced a previous rebuke from Labour leader Keir Starmer in January, when he said Trump should apologise for insulting NATO troops.
What was said
Andy Burnham’s official spokesperson told the Guardian, “Frankly, the facts speak for themselves when it comes to the UK’s and NATO’s contribution to Afghanistan. Thousands of British and allied families made huge sacrifices… more than 450 British personnel never returned. Their sacrifice … will never be forgotten. And it is wrong to diminish their role.”
How it came about
Hegseth’s comments were made in the context of ongoing debate over US‑NATO relations, with Trump recently renewing criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, easing sanctions on Russia and limiting intelligence sharing. The UK’s response underscores its “unwavering” support for Ukraine and its desire to separate British policy from Trump’s rhetoric.
Key facts
- Pete Hegseth claimed only one or two NATO nations were involved in kinetic operations in Afghanistan (theguardian.com)
- Downing Street said more than 450 British personnel died in Afghanistan (theguardian.com)
- Andy Burnham’s spokesperson called Hegseth’s remarks "wrong to diminish" NATO’s role (theguardian.com)
Sources
- [1] theguardian.com — originally reported as “Hegseth wrong to say most non-US Nato forces in Afghanistan did not fight, says No 10”
