ROME, Jan 25, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Saturday joined criticism of US President Donald Trump's comments on the role of non-US NATO troops in Afghanistan, defending the memory of Italian soldiers killed and wounded there.

In an interview with Fox News aired on Thursday, Trump had claimed NATO had sent "some troops" but "stayed a little back, a little off the front lines".

"The Italian government was astonished to hear President Trump's statement claiming that NATO allies 'fell behind' during operations in Afghanistan," Meloni posted on X.

During the nearly 20 years of NATO operations in Afghanistan, she said, "our nation paid a cost that is beyond dispute: 53 Italian soldiers killed and more than 700 wounded".

"For this reason, statements that downplay the contribution of NATO countries in Afghanistan are unacceptable, especially when they come from an allied Nation," she added.

Meloni noted that NATO had invoked Article Five after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the country that killed 3,000 people, effectively launching the Afghanistan campaign.

Article Five requires member states to defend any of their number who come under attack.

Meloni acknowledged the strong ties between Italy and the United States.

"But friendship requires respect, a fundamental condition for continuing to ensure the solidarity at the core of the Atlantic Alliance," she added.

Earlier Saturday, Italy's Foreign Minister also paid tribute to Italy's dead and wounded in Afghanistan in a post online.