Written question asked by Lord Watson of Wyre Forest (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 December 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 December 2012. It was answered by Lord Robathan (Conservative) on Monday, 17 December 2012 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Afghanistan

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's policy is on the recording of civilian deaths as a consequence of unmanned aerial vehicle strikes in Afghanistan.

[133763]

Answer

We deeply regret all civilian casualties. While we investigate carefully all alleged incidents involving UK forces, the Government does not record total figures for civilian casualties in Afghanistan because of the immense difficulty and risks that would be involved in collecting robust data.

Protecting the Afghan civilian population is a cornerstone of the international security assistance force's mission, and all British troops undergo comprehensive training on the strict rules of engagement. This contrasts directly with the attitude of the insurgents, who use indiscriminate tactics, including suicide bombs and improvised explosive devices, as well as the deliberate and targeted killing of civilians.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 133763; 555 c601W
Session: 2012-13
Related items: Armed Forces: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Tuesday, 12 March 2013
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Casualties Peacekeeping operations Afghanistan Unmanned air systems
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk

Afghanistan

Secondary information

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