Written question asked by Marquess of Lothian (Conservative) on Monday, 15 January 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 January 2024. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Monday, 29 January 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Iraq: USA

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the security situation in Iraq following the US military strike in Baghdad on 4 January, which the Pentagon reported killed a senior commander of Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba; and what discussions they have had with the governments of Iraq and the US following the denunciation of the strike by the Iraqi government.

Answer: We continually monitor the security situation in Iraq, working closely with our fellow members of the Global Coalition and the Government of Iraq. The US drone strike in Baghdad on January 4 which killed Abu Taqwa, a leader of the Iran Aligned Militia Group Harakat al-Nujaba, was announced as an act of self-defence by the US. The ongoing safety and protection of Coalition Forces members in Iraq remains paramount. The UK highlights the Government of Iraq's commitment to protect these forces. Lord Ahmad spoke with Minister Hussein on 4 January, and we frequently engage at official level.

Secondary information