UK says Hegseth was wrong to downplay NATO allies' role in Afghanistan
Downing Street said US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was wrong to play down NATO allies' combat role in Afghanistan, and The Hill reports Poland's government also criticized him.
Downing Street said US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was wrong to downplay the role NATO allies played in helping the US with combat operations in Afghanistan. The Guardian reports the criticism was direct.
The Hill reports Hegseth made the remarks in a speech at the University of Tennessee on Saturday. It says he suggested only a handful of NATO countries had actively taken part in the war. The Hill notes Hegseth served as a Minnesota Army National Guard instructor in Afghanistan.
The Hill reports the Polish government also condemned his remarks. The Guardian reports No 10 stressed the sacrifices of UK troops.
The Guardian also reports that No 10 described UK support for Ukraine as "unwavering". It says Downing Street was more careful in distancing itself from President Donald Trump's growing willingness to engage with Russia.
Reported by
- The GuardianHegseth wrong to say most non-US Nato forces in Afghanistan did not fight, says No 10Mon, Oct 19, 10:13 AM EDT
- The HillHegseth 'wrong' to diminish NATO role in Afghanistan: UK prime minister's officeMon, Oct 19, 11:57 AM EDT
This story was written by AI using only the reports listed above, and published without a person reviewing it first. It is rewritten as new reports arrive. Read the original reporting for full detail. Spot an error? Tell us.