A decorated British veteran who served alongside American forces in Afghanistan has delivered a powerful rebuke to Donald Trump's recent claims that NATO soldiers "avoided the frontline" during the conflict.
Veteran's Personal Experience Contradicts Trump's Narrative
Kayam Iqbal, a 45-year-old from Flackwell Heath in Buckinghamshire, described the US president's comments as "absolutely shocking" and emotionally damaging to military families. The father-of-two, who joined the British Armed Forces in 1999 and served as a medic before specialising in languages and human intelligence, was deployed to Helmand Province - where British forces suffered their heaviest losses during the Taliban conflict.
"It feels like a kick in the teeth," Kayam told Metro, particularly referencing families who lost loved ones in the conflict. "He wasn't there, he doesn't know."
Military Service and Lasting Trauma
The veteran, who now advocates for military mental health through his OppO Foundation, revealed he developed PTSD from tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He described how the psychological impact "is still a struggle and it will never go away" - a reality he says many in frontline emergency services share.
Kayam highlighted the particular challenges military personnel and some Muslim community members face in discussing mental health, often suffering silently due to cultural expectations of strength and stoicism. "But talking helps," he emphasised.
Historical Context and Political Response
Drawing on his frontline experience, Kayam suggested the US was "steps behind NATO" in Afghanistan, similar to their delayed entry in World War II. He expressed concern about Trump's apparent strategy to position America as indispensable to NATO allies.
The veteran called for a response from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, while acknowledging the diplomatic balancing act required in maintaining relations with the US administration. "Everyone is tiptoeing around him and they have for a long time," he observed.
Official Military Rebuttals
Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, who completed five tours in Afghanistan, delivered an impassioned response without directly naming Trump. The former Royal Marines colonel stated: "On Afghanistan, frankly, this is utterly ridiculous."
He continued: "Many courageous and honourable service personnel from many nations fought on the front line. Many fought way beyond it. We shed blood, sweat and tears together. Not everybody came home."
Defence Secretary John Healey provided crucial context, noting that NATO's Article 5 mutual defence clause has only been invoked once - following the 9/11 attacks - prompting British and allied forces to answer America's call. More than 450 British personnel lost their lives in Afghanistan during this commitment.
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister's office stated unequivocally that Trump was "wrong" in his characterization of NATO forces' frontline involvement, adding: "We are incredibly proud of our armed forces and their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten."
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions within the NATO alliance and raises questions about historical recognition of multinational military sacrifices during the twenty-year Afghanistan conflict.
