Geo News
Community curated by people like you
LatestAICryptoHealthWorld AffairsUS Politics
←Back to story

No 10 hits back after Trump’s war secretary diminishes UK’s role in Afghanistan

IndependentView source article

Part of story

Pete Hegseth criticized by UK and Poland for downplaying NATO allies' combat role in Afghanistan

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced rebuke from Britain and Poland after suggesting in a speech that only "one or two" or "maybe five" NATO countries actively participated in combat operations during the Afghanistan war. Downing Street said Hegseth was wrong, defending the sacrifices of British forces who lost over 450 troops in the conflict.

Oct 19, 2026·9 sourcesWars & conflictsDefense & military alliancesNATO’s role in supporting UkraineU.S. Foreign Policy
Pete Hegseth criticized by UK and Poland for downplaying NATO allies' combat role in Afghanistan
00

Other sources for this story

Dailymail

No10 rebukes Hegseth for mocking role of Nato troops in Afghanistan

Stripes

Hegseth’s Afghanistan remarks spark backlash from US veterans, allies

The Guardian

Hegseth wrong to say most non-US Nato forces in Afghanistan did not fight, says No 10

Thenews

UK hits back at Hegseth after he questions NATO allies' sacrifices in Afghanistan

Economictimes

Why Pete Hegseth’s remarks on Nato’s Afghanistan role have drawn UK rebuke and raised fresh questions over US-Europe relations

The Hill

Hegseth ‘wrong’ to diminish NATO role in Afghanistan: UK prime minister’s office

Newsweek

Pete Hegseth’s Afghanistan war comments spark backlash from veterans

Politico

UK and Poland accuse Hegseth of downplaying allies’ role in Afghanistan