SULAIMANI (ESTA) — Canada is extending its military mission in Iraq and the region for another year, said the country’s defense minister on Tuesday.
Canadian Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan said the seven-year Operation Impact would continue in Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon until March 31, 2022, the Guardian reported.
The purpose of the mission is to build the military capabilities of the three countries, according to the Canadian forces.
The Canadian military will “continue to work with its partners and Allies to ensure the enduring defeat” ISIS, the Department of National Defence said on Tuesday.
Although the Canadian government has authorization to deploy up to 850 soldiers in support of the anti-terrorism mission, Canada’s current contribution in the coming year will be significantly smaller, according to CBC.
The Canadian government launched the Operation Impact in 2014 after ISIS militants swept out of the chaos of the Syrian civil war and proceeded to capture a vast swath of territory in neighboring Iraq.
A Canadian special forces contingent based in Erbil was conducting counter-terrorism training, CBC reported.
“Canada will remain a reliable partner in multinational operations around the world,” the Canadian defense minister said.
“By renewing Operation IMPACT, we are reinforcing Canada’s support to our NATO Allies and our partners in the Global Coalition, and continuing our important work in the Middle East.”
