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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Peter Walker Senior political correspondent

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

Pete Hegseth speaks into a microphone while pointing during a Senate hearing.
Pete Hegseth, the US defense secretary, served as a National Guard instructor in Afghanistan. Photograph: Alex Wroblewski/AFP/Getty Images

Downing Street has criticised Pete Hegseth for downplaying the role of Nato allies in helping the US with combat operations in Afghanistan, saying Donald Trump’s defence secretary had been wrong to do so.

The direct condemnation came as No 10 more carefully distanced itself from Trump’s increasing willingness to engage with Russia, saying the UK’s backing for Ukraine was “unwavering”.

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