Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether forward air controllers are directing airstrikes in Iraq.

UK personnel in Iraq perform a number of roles. This includes supporting UK and coalition airstrikes against ISIL in Iraq. Iraqi security forces are able to communicate with coalition aircraft through coalition HQs including the Iraqi Joint Operating Centre in Baghdad. Coalition aircraft in Iraq either engage in dynamic targeting, for example responding to Iraqi forces under fire, or in deliberate targeting, when for example attacking previously identified ISIL positions prior to an advance by Iraqi security forces.