Afghanistan: Minister says Canada did not stand back after Trump's NATO comments

Canada's defence minister said Canadian forces served alongside allies in Afghanistan from 2001–2014 and noted 158 military fatalities and one diplomat's death; his remarks came in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's comments questioning NATO allies' front-line roles.

Canada's defence minister responded to recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump about NATO allies' roles in the Afghanistan conflict. David McGuinty said Canadian forces did not stand back and served alongside partners from 2001 to 2014. He emphasized the sacrifices made by Canadian personnel during the mission. Other officials and world leaders have publicly criticized Mr. Trump's comments. What officials said: - Defence Minister David McGuinty said Canadian forces served side by side with allies in Afghanistan and did not "stand back." - McGuinty noted that 158 Canadian military personnel and one Canadian diplomat died during the mission. - The statement was issued after U.S. President Donald Trump questioned allied troops' front-line roles; other Canadian officials and international leaders, including Culture Minister Marc Miller and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, criticized those remarks. Summary: The defence minister's statement reaffirmed Canada's account of its role and the losses suffered in Afghanistan and followed international pushback against Mr. Trump's comments. Undetermined at this time.