Nato troops avoided Af frontline: Don sparks row

Donald Trump has sparked outrage among British MPs and veterans after claiming Nato troops stayed away from the frontline in Afghanistan, ‘The Guradian’ reported.

- FPJ News Desk

The US president made his comments in an interview with ‘Fox News’ in which he reiterated his suggestion Nato would not support the US if asked. Trump has long criticised the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, which also includes 30 European allies and Canada, over his belief that other members don't pay their fair share.

“Maybe we should have put Nato to the test: Invoked Article 5, and forced Nato to come here and protect our Southern Border from further Invasions of Illegal Immigrants, thus freeing up large numbers of Border Patrol Agents for other tasks,” Trump posted on Truth Social. Article 5 refers to Nato’s mutual defence clause, which states that an “armed attack” on one member is considered an attack on all 32 member-states.

His remarks drew condemnation, with critics pointing to the 457 British deaths in Afghanistan and highlighting Trump’ avoidance of military service in Vietnam.