Written question asked by Julian Lewis (Conservative) on Monday, 21 May 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 June 2007. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Wednesday, 13 June 2007 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Iraq: Peace Keeping Operations

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the (a) strategy and (b) tactics of the Mahdi Army; and for how many attacks on UK service personnel he estimates it to have been responsible.

Answer: [holding answer 4 June 2007]: The Jaysh al-Mahdi also referred to as the Mahdi Army, which acts as the militia wing of the Office of the Martyr Sadr are opposed to the presence of Multi National Forces in Iraq and wish to see their withdrawal. Jaysh al-Mahdi and its factions have been responsible for many attacks against coalition forces including UK troops.We routinely assesses the capabilities and objectives of insurgent and militia groups in Iraq including the Jaysh al-Mahdi. I am withholding further details as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness and security of our armed forces.

Secondary information