Written question asked by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour) on Monday, 27 October 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 October 2008. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Monday, 17 November 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 27 October 2008, Official Report, column 622W, on Afghanistan, what his reasons were for not stating which of Helmand's districts are under the control of the International Security Assistance Force, the Afghan National Security Forces and the Government of Afghanistan.

Answer: [holding answer 30 October 2008]: The Government of Afghanistan, Afghan national security forces and the international security assistance force maintain a significant presence across Helmand Province as referred to in my answer of 27 October 2008, Official Report, column 622W.Counter-insurgency operations, like our operation in Afghanistan, are more complex in nature than traditional warfare. Control of territory is not simple to define in a situation with no easily identifiable front-line.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 483 c133-4W;483 c132-3W; 231822
Session: 2007-08
Related items: Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations
Monday, 27 October 2008
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Peacekeeping operations Afghanistan
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk