„We should give an obvious response that shows how the situation really was. All countries were involved in the mission in Afghanistan, including Lithuania. Lithuania took responsibility for the reconstruction of Ghor Province, sent representatives of its special forces to carry out very real military operations, and certainly did not stand behind anyone,“ Nausėda said at a press conference held at the Presidential Palace on Sunday evening.
Therefore, according to the president, all countries that contributed to the mission in Afghanistan participated seriously.
„Lithuania suffered casualties – yes, our soldier was killed during the mission in Afghanistan. Just as many more soldiers and officers from other countries participating in this mission were killed,“ Nausėda pointed out.
„So, I believe that all countries (...) that participated in this mission did so with the utmost seriousness, understanding all the risks involved, and were truly at the forefront. So, we have to say that the situation was exactly as we see it,“ he emphasised.
For his part, Polish President Karol Nawrocki not only emphasised the involvement of all Alliance members in NATO activities, but also pointed out that Polish soldiers had also died in the mission in Afghanistan.
„We have many friends whom I know who participated in the mission in Afghanistan, and Poles also died there. So, honour and glory to the Polish soldiers who not only defend the Republic of Poland but also serve in NATO forces in different territories around the world,“ said Nawrocki.
„I don't know what President Trump was thinking specifically when he made that statement. I can't answer that. All allies are involved in NATO activities,“ he added.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump recently stated that the United States did not need NATO's help in Afghanistan, and that other countries. However, they sent troops to Afghanistan, and allegedly kept them somewhat away from the front line.
ELTA recalls that after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the US invoked Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, requesting assistance from its allies. NATO members then sent their forces to fight against the Taliban Islamists and Al-Qaeda terrorists in Afghanistan.
This was the first and so far, only time that NATO has invoked Article 5, under which an armed attack against one or more NATO countries is considered an attack against all of them.
The US withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021, and the Taliban took power in the country.