December 22, 2014
OTTAWA – Major-General Michael Hood, Director of the Strategic Joint Staff of the Canadian Armed Forces, issued the following statement:
“Recent media reports have speculated that members of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) have directly engaged in sniper activity against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). This is not the case. CANSOFCOM’s role in Iraq is to provide training, military advice and assistance teams. Members in Iraq are working within a well-defined mission that was passed in the House of Commons. We have been clear that this mission does not involve ground troops in a combat role.
“CANSOFCOM is helping to provide Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) with military training such as shooting, movement, communications, and mission planning, as well as how to effectively employ their various weapons systems against ISIL.
“The support provided to the people of Iraq by the Canadian Armed Forces demonstrates Canada’s resolve to stand with our allies and make positive contributions to international security.”
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
