The White House has appeared to double down on President Donald Trump's comments about the involvement of Nato troops in Afghanistan.
Mr Trump triggered outrage when he told Fox News: "I've always said, will they be there if we ever needed them? That's really the ultimate test, and I'm not sure of that.
"We've never needed them. They'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan... and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines."
In total, 457 British personnel were killed in Afghanistan between 2001 and the coalition withdrawal two decades later.
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But now, the Trump administration has appeared to double down on the President's remarks.
White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers told GB News: "President Trump is absolutely right - the United States of America has done more for Nato than any other country in the alliance has done combined."
Mr Trump's comments prompted a furious response from Downing Street.
On Friday, Sir Keir Starmer said: "I consider President Trump's remarks to be insulting and frankly, appalling.
The President said Nato troops 'stayed a little back' in Afghanistan
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"And I'm not surprised they've caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured."
Defence minister Al Carns said the remarks were "utterly ridiculous", adding: "I served five tours in Afghanistan, many alongside my American colleagues. We shed blood, sweat and tears together. Not everybody came home.
"These are bonds, I think, forged in fire, protecting the US, our shared interests, but actually protecting democracy overall."
The US suffered the highest number of casualties in the 20-year war, with 2,500 service members killed following the 9/11 attacks.
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In total, 457 British personnel were killed in Afghanistan between 2001 and the coalition withdrawal
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Denmark lost 44 personnel in the war, the highest proportion relative to population after the US.
The conflict claimed 159 Canadian lives, 90 in France, 62 in Germany, 53 in Italy and 44 in Poland.
Nato chief Mark Rutte pushed back against the comments, telling the President directly at Davos: "There's one thing I heard you say yesterday and today.
"You were not absolutely sure Europeans would come to the rescue of the US if you will be attacked. Let me tell you, they will, and they did in Afghanistan.
"For every two Americans who paid the ultimate price, there was one soldier from another Nato country who did not come back to his family - from the Netherlands, from Denmark and particularly from other countries."
Nato chief Mark Rutte pushed back against the comments at Davos
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Prince Harry, who served in Afghanistan, said the "sacrifices" of British armed personnel in the conflict "deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect".
He added: "Allies answered that call. I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there."
After the 9/11 attacks, Nato activated Article 5 for the first and only time, prompting the UK and other allies to support the US in Afghanistan.
The bloody war is believed to have claimed the lives of around 3,500 Nato troops in total.
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