Canada will extend military role in Iraq for two years

TORONTO, Canada (Kurdistan24) – The Federal Government of Canada on Thursday said it would extend its military mission in Iraq against the Islamic State (IS) for another two years.

According to Canadian Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan, IS’ threat "requires Canadian troops to remain in the country as part of the US-led international coalition until at least 2019."

The extended mission, which will continue Canada’s “advise and assist” role, will now go until March 31, 2019.

The renewal “includes providing training for new potential partners within the Iraqi security forces and a CC-130J Hercules aircraft for tactical airlift.”

“Our new defense policy has made it very clear that Canada is ready and willing to do its part for the global community,” Sajjan said in a statement.

“This includes confronting security issues that threaten our shores and those of our allies and partners,” he continued.

The Defense Minister highlighted Canada’s contribution to the coalition against IS, and their readiness to tackle “security challenges which confront Iraq, Syria, and the region.”

The Canadian government also announced it would spend $371.4 million over the two-year period to cover the cost of the renewed mission.

Chief of the Defense Staff General Jonathan Vance expressed his confidence Canada would continue to “be more agile and flexible” in response to the needs of its allies.

“As the situation on the ground evolves, we must continually re-evaluate how Canada’s military can be most effective in support of the coalition,” he stated.

Although Canada has reiterated its “advise and assist” role in Iraq, critics suggest the Canadian troops are involved in active combat.

A Canadian special forces sniper recently shot an IS militant from a record 3,540 meters, the longest confirmed kill shot in military history.

Editing by G. H. Renaud