§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they had advance or subsequent notice of an attack by American military helicopters at Erbil. northern Iraq, on 5 January, when allegedly five people were injured and buildings and cars were destroyed; and whether they are making appropriate enquiries of the United States authorities. [HL872]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanWe have a regular dialogue with the United States, as well as with other national contingents to the multinational force and the relevant Iraqi authorities, on security issues. We will not comment on the details of these discussions. The United Nations-mandated multinational force seeks at all times to avoid causing civilian casualties. All operations are aimed against legitimate military targets and all possible steps are taken to minimise civilian deaths.