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German defense minister slams Trump’s remarks on Afghanistan
(MENAFN) Germany’s defense minister has called on US President Donald Trump to apologize for remarks dismissing NATO allies’ contributions in Afghanistan, arguing that the statements were disrespectful to soldiers who died alongside American forces.
“An apology for the families of fallen soldiers would be a sign of decency, respect, and also insight,” Pistorius said in an interview with German public broadcaster ARD on Sunday, describing Trump’s criticism as “indecent and disrespectful.”
Trump recently claimed in a Fox News interview that NATO troops were unnecessary in Afghanistan and suggested allied forces avoided front-line duties during the 20-year conflict.
The comments sparked strong backlash across Europe, particularly in Denmark, Germany, and the UK, whose militaries also suffered casualties.
Pistorius stressed that all NATO members supported the US following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. “To claim something different today is simply not true,” he said. The 9/11 attacks remain the only occasion in which NATO invoked Article 5, leading member states to deploy thousands of troops to Afghanistan.
When asked if he would address the issue directly with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the minister responded, “Certainly, as soon as I see him.”
During Germany’s Afghanistan deployment from 2001 to 2021, 59 soldiers were killed. By comparison, Britain lost 457 combatants, and Denmark suffered 43 fatalities, reports indicate.
“An apology for the families of fallen soldiers would be a sign of decency, respect, and also insight,” Pistorius said in an interview with German public broadcaster ARD on Sunday, describing Trump’s criticism as “indecent and disrespectful.”
Trump recently claimed in a Fox News interview that NATO troops were unnecessary in Afghanistan and suggested allied forces avoided front-line duties during the 20-year conflict.
The comments sparked strong backlash across Europe, particularly in Denmark, Germany, and the UK, whose militaries also suffered casualties.
Pistorius stressed that all NATO members supported the US following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. “To claim something different today is simply not true,” he said. The 9/11 attacks remain the only occasion in which NATO invoked Article 5, leading member states to deploy thousands of troops to Afghanistan.
When asked if he would address the issue directly with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the minister responded, “Certainly, as soon as I see him.”
During Germany’s Afghanistan deployment from 2001 to 2021, 59 soldiers were killed. By comparison, Britain lost 457 combatants, and Denmark suffered 43 fatalities, reports indicate.
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