Statement by Major-General Charles Lamarre regarding recent actions by the Canadian Armed Forces in Iraq

“On the 16th of December at around 1600hrs (local), ISIL forces in Iraq initiated a coordinated attack against the Kurdish Security Forces’ (KSF) front line in Northern Iraq. 

“Before proceeding, allow me to orient you to the map behind me.  In the centre of the map is the city of Mosul.  The green line indicates the separation between ISIL and the KSF.  The red arrows roughly indicate the main avenues of approach used by ISIL.

“The attackers employed indirect artillery fire, suicide vehicle borne improvised explosive devices and ground troops in an attempt to break through the KSF defensive line. There were no Canadian Armed Forces casualties as a result of this operation, but unfortunately our courageous KSF allies sustained a number of losses, and we would like to extend our condolences to the Kurdish people.

“That said, both the KSF and our deployed Canadian Armed Forces personnel performed extremely well and the ISIL attack was defeated.

“The attack resulted in multiple incursions into the KSF defensive positions.  Two of those incursions happened in areas where the KSF is currently being advised by Canadian Armed Forces personnel.

“The KSF was initially pushed back, but before nightfall were able to consolidate and contain the attackers.  On 17 December, the KSF, with the assistance of the coalition forces, conducted a counter-attack.  At approximately 1100hrs, the attackers were defeated and the front line was re-established.

“During the attack, the Canadian Armed Forces deployed in Iraq in the Train Advise and Assist role were integral to the efforts in coordinating and deconflicting Coalition support offered to the KSF.  The KSF counter attacks were successful in every sector.

“During counter-attacks, the members of the Canadian Armed Forces involved in this operation provided key support to the KSF.  The presence of Canadian soldiers in support of the KSF has allowed to coordinate movements, fire support and to develop an accurate common operational picture for the forces involved in combat.

“During the counter attacks, the Canadian Armed Forces personnel involved in support to the KSF had to employ supporting fire to defend friendly forces in the face of hostile enemy action.  CAF personnel were not principal combatants.  Our train, advise and assist role sometime involves engagements.

“During the counter attacks, the Canadian soldiers established a casualty collection point where they treated and triaged the injured combatants.

“During the operation, as part of a coalition strike package, our CF-18s conducted a strike in support of the KSF, and their contribution assisted in the re-establishment of the front line of defence.

“Our Canadian Armed Forces personnel, working within their “Train, Advise and Assist” mission and alongside their Kurdish Security Forces allies, performed very well in demanding conditions, thereby highlighting the success of our efforts in helping the KSF counter the threats posed by the extremist militant group ISIL.”