Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench) on Thursday, 17 October 2019, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 31 October 2019. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Tuesday, 29 October 2019 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Syria: Military Intervention

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have received any evidence of the recent use by Turkey in northern Syria of (1) white phosphorus in gas or solid form, and (2) flechettes; and whether there is any evidence to suggest that detention camps have been targeted by Turkish forces with a view to freeing ISIS fighters.

Answer: We are aware of allegations of use of white phosphorus but are not aware of any reports of flechettes being used. Allegations that white phosphorus has been used against civilians are extremely worrying and it is important that the full facts are established. We have called on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law which prohibits attacks against civilians irrespective of the weapon used. We have not seen any evidence to suggest that detention camps have been targeted by Turkish forces with a view to freeing Daesh fighters. Turkey is a member of the Global Coalition and has demonstrated its commitment to the ongoing fight against Daesh.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL200
Session: 2019-19
Subjects: Detainees Weapons Turkey Syria Military intervention Islamic State White phosphorus
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk