TORONTO, Canada - Canada said its first airstrike on ISIS targets in Syria demonstrated Ottawa’s “firm resolve to tackle the threat of terrorism.”
Canadian CF-18 Hornets bombarded Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL) positions near Raqqa, the militant group’s de facto capital, Canada's Department of National Defence said Wednesday.
“Today, Canada's CF-18 Hornets conducted their first airstrike in Syria since the Government’s decision to extend and expand Operation IMPACT, Canada’s military contribution to the US-led coalition” against ISIS, a government statement said.
“A total of 10 coalition aircraft, including six aircraft from the US were involved in this airstrike,” it added.
The Canadian Armed Forces recently extended their participation in the international efforts against ISIS for up to 12 months. The extension also includes airstrikes in Syria.
“This first airstrike under the expanded mandate demonstrates our Government's firm resolve to tackle the threat of terrorism against Canada and to promote international security and stability, said Jason Kenney, Canada’s minister of national defence.
He said ISIS “is a genocidal terrorist organization and we will deny them safe haven in the region. Canada is playing an important role in degrading ISIL’s capabilities in collaboration with the US-led international coalition.”
