Berlin (dpa) – Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has backed the country’s armed forces following accusations by US President Donald Trump related to operations in Afghanistan. “Our Bundeswehr were ready when our American allies called for support after the 2001 Islamist terror attacks,” Pistorius said. “Germany is deeply grateful for the bravery and the great professionalism of our Bundeswehr.”
Trump has claimed that the USA has never needed NATO. Although several NATO states had sent troops to Afghanistan after 9/11, Trump claimed that they had remained “a little off the front lines”.
In reply, Pistorius underlined the fact that German troops had been deployed to Afghanistan for 19 years. “They carried out their duties in the gravest of danger to protect life and limb, and in extreme conditions,” he said, and stressed that Germany had paid a high price. “Fifty-nine soldiers and three police officers lost their lives in battle, attacks or accidents. Many of the wounded continue to suffer from the injuries of that time.” Pistorius added, “We will honour the commitment and bravery of our troops in Afghanistan, regardless of who questions that. They will never be forgotten.”
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