Donald Trump has praised UK soldiers who fought in Afghanistan after his claim that allied forces avoided the front lines prompted criticism from veterans and politicians.
Earlier this week Trump angered US allies by downplaying the role of NATO troops in the war and doubted whether the military alliance would be there for the US 'if we ever needed them.'
Trump's words drew condemnation from international allies, while Sir Keir Starmer called them 'insulting and frankly appalling.'
The UK prime minister spoke to Trump on Saturday, after which the US president used his Truth Social platform to praise UK troops as being 'among the greatest of all warriors.'
Trump was criticised for remarks he made during an interview with Fox News on Thursday in which the president said of NATO troops: 'We've never needed them. We have never really asked anything of them.' They 'stayed a little back, a little off the front lines,' he claimed.
That triggered a huge backlash from the families of soldiers who served in Afghanistan as well as veterans and politicians from various sectors who called for Trump to apologise. Prince Harry emphasized the need to respect the sacrifices made by troops, highlighting the invocation of NATO's collective security clause following the 9/11 attacks.
In October 2001, the US invaded Afghanistan to oust the Taliban. NATO nations contributed troops and resources during the nearly 20-year conflict, which resulted in over 3,500 coalition soldier deaths, including 457 British troops.
Following his conversation with Prime Minister, Trump posted further comments appearing to step back from his critical comments, stating, 'The brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America.' He acknowledged the sacrifices made by UK troops in Afghanistan, noting that many were injured and lost their lives.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch expressed satisfaction with Trump's recognition of the UK's contributions to the conflict.
Additional political figures, both in the UK and abroad, reacted sharply to Trump's initial comments. Italy's Prime Minister, for example, pointed out the loss of 53 Italian soldiers in the conflict, asserting that downplaying NATO contributions is unacceptable.
Trump's recent comments did not address the contributions of other NATO allies who participated in the Afghanistan conflict, which continues to raise concerns about the ongoing alliance.
