Local News
Canadian Armed Forces Personnel Exit Iraq Amid Ongoing Regional Conflict
Canadian military personnel participating in the NATO Mission Iraq have been safely relocated to a secure location in Europe. The relocation comes amidst an ongoing war in the region, though the Canadian Armed Forces had no involvement in the conflict or its planning.
Canadian Armed Forces members have been moved from Iraq along with NATO allies. The alliance confirmed Friday the safe relocation to Europe of its personnel from Mission Iraq, a non-combat advisory operation active since 2018. Defence Minister David McGuinty stated that Canadian military members and civilians involved in the mission have been relocated to a secure location and are safe. According to the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Armed Forces have had no involvement in the current war. General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s supreme allied commander for Europe, thanked Iraq and allies for assisting in the safe relocation. Minister McGuinty called on all states to respect international law and uphold international prosperity and security.
Key Facts
- Canadian Armed Forces members in Iraq have been safely relocated to Europe.
- The relocation includes all Canadian military members and civilians participating in NATO's Mission Iraq.
- The NATO mission is a non-combat advisory operation focused on building up Iraq's security organizations against the Islamic State group since 2018.
- The Canadian Armed Forces had no involvement in the current war, according to the Department of National Defence.
- Canada has roughly 200 personnel deployed across the Middle East in six separate operations, as of March 5.
- Defence Minister David McGuinty has called for all states to respect international law.
- NATO's Mission Iraq will continue its work from Joint Force Command Naples.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- Sudbury.com — Canadian military personnel leave Iraq with NATO allies amid Iran war