Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench) on Friday, 30 June 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Friday, 14 July 2023. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Thursday, 13 July 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Turkey: Unmanned Air Systems

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what representations, if any, they are making to the government of Turkey concerning reports that drone strikes used by that country have caused (1) deaths, and (2) injuries, in north and east Syria.

Answer: We regularly engage the Turkish Government on regional stability, including in Syria. Most recently, I [Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon] represented the UK's position to Turkish counterparts in Istanbul on 9 June. The UK is closely monitoring the situation in northern Syria. We recognise Turkey's legitimate security interests in the region but encourage restraint from activity that could lead to further destabilisation or civilian loss of life. Security and stability in the region are necessary to prevent worsening of the already serious humanitarian situation in northern Syria and enable the Global Coalition and its partners to continue the fight against Daesh.

Secondary information