Minister Sajjan Announces Extension of Canada’s Contribution to the Global Coalition against Da’esh
News Release
March 31, 2017 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
The Government of Canada remains strongly committed to defeating Da’esh and responding to the needs of people who have been displaced or devastated by war in Iraq, Syria, and the region.
Today, Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan announced that the Government of Canada is extending Canada’s current military contribution to the fight against Da’esh until June 30, 2017.
This extension provides the Government of Canada the time required to assess the evolving nature of the fight while allowing the Canadian Armed Forces to maintain their important contributions to ongoing operations as a responsible coalition partner.
The scope and mission of Canada’s military contribution will remain the same over the next three months, with a few adjustments. As a result of recent successes in the campaign, some elements of the Canadian Special Operations Task Force have recently been operating in Eastern Mosul, providing advice and assistance to Iraqi Security Forces. There has been no change to their mandate or to the parameters of their mission. Canadian troops remain behind the forward line of troops, and are providing advice and assistance to Iraqi Forces.
Canada has implemented a comprehensive and integrated approach to do its part in defeating Da’esh, restore basic government services in Iraq, and enable citizens to return to their homes in newly-liberated areas.
Canadians will be regularly updated as this mission continues to evolve.
Quotes
“It is clear that Coalition efforts are having a real impact on the ground. Canada has made significant progress working alongside Allies and partners to help provide security and stabilize the region, but we must be ready to adapt to the changing dynamics of the conflict. With these factors in mind, Canada will continue to work with Coalition partners to identify needs and to assess how we can best contribute Canadian capabilities to dismantle and ultimately defeat Da’esh.”
— Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan
“Canadian military personnel will continue to play a key role in international efforts to defeat Da’esh, including aerial refuelling and surveillance, intelligence, helicopter transport, medical support, and capacity building. Due to recent advances in the international campaign, Canadian Special Operations Forces elements are now advising and assisting Iraqi Security Forces in the campaign to rid Mosul of Da’esh. While the geography and partners have expanded, the mandate of training, advising, assisting, and equipping remains unchanged. The mission may change further as the situation evolves and Canadians should expect further adjustments as the situation warrants. Canadians should be proud of the multifaceted and essential contributions Canadian troops are making both in the battle for Mosul and across the theatre of operations.”
— General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff
Quick Facts
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Canada’s military contribution is diverse and includes:
- Aerial refuelling and surveillance capabilities;
- Tactical helicopters;
- Training, advising, and assisting Iraqi Security Forces;
- Capacity building for regional forces;
- Role 2 medical facility; and
- Support to the Global Coalition with highly-skilled personnel, including intelligence support.
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As of March 28, 2017, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has conducted 695 aerial refuelling sorties, delivering approximately 40,800,000 pounds of fuel to Coalition aircraft; and have conducted 753 reconnaissance missions.
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Since October 2014, the CAF has deployed approximately 3,600 personnel to support Coalition efforts to defeat Da’esh.
Associated Links
Contacts
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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