Written question asked by Michael Moore (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 8 September 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 September 2008. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 September 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate his Department has made of the number of civilian casualties resulting from the use of air power in Afghanistan; what discussions he has had on this issue with his counterparts in nations contributing to the International Security Assistance Force and Operation Enduring Freedom; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: [holding answer 15 September 2008]: The UK Government do not collate figures for civilian casualties in Afghanistan. We are in regular contact, at all levels, with our International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) partners to continue to ensure that our procedures to minimise the risk to civilians from the employment of Close Air Support are as effective as possible. Every effort is made by ISAF forces, including those of the UK, to avoid civilian casualties, which are always a source of profound regret.

Secondary information