Written question asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench) on Tuesday, 7 March 2017, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 March 2017. It was answered by Baroness Anelay of St Johns (Conservative) on Tuesday, 21 March 2017 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iraq: Armed Conflict

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the reports of fighting last week in Sinjar, between Kurdish forces, Peshmarga and PKK, and of the reported displacement of Yazidi families from Sinjar; and what is known about their whereabouts and well-being.

Answer: We are aware of localised conflict on 3 March between Kurdish groups in Sinjar which resulted in seven fatalities. The Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) moved to contain the risk of escalation and calm was quickly restored. Due to the clash, a number of families from the surrounding area of Khanh Sor fled to Sinjar Mountain. The UN is assessing the situation and considering whether any assistance is required. We are monitoring the situation carefully and are in close contact with the Government in Baghdad, the KRG, and the Provincial Government in Ninewa Province.

Secondary information