Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan was in London, UK, today for a meeting of Defence Ministers from the main force contributors to the Counter-ISIL Military Coalition. The meeting followed up on the discussions held in Paris in October and set the stage for the third large Coalition Ministerial meeting to be held in Spring 2017.
Defence Ministers reviewed progress in the Global Coalition’s efforts to degrade and dismantle Daesh, also known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, and focused on the ongoing military campaign in Mosul. During the meeting, Minister Sajjan highlighted Canada’s whole-of-government efforts which are focused on building the conditions on the ground for longer-term stability and prosperity in the region.
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“The Canadian Armed Forces are playing an important role, along with our Allies and partners, in supporting Coalition efforts in Iraq and the region. Canada is determined to do its part and we are proud of the progress that has been achieved so far. By working together, we hope to bring stability to the region so that everyone may live in a safer and more secure world.”
Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister
Quick Facts
In February 2016, Canada committed to augment the size of the train, advise, and assist mission—under Operation IMPACT—to help Iraqi security forces plan and conduct military operations against Daesh.
In October 2016, the Iraqi security forces, with support from the Global Coalition to Counter Daesh, began the operation to take control of Mosul. Mosul is Daesh’s self-proclaimed “capital” in Iraq, and is one of the country’s largest cities. Its liberation will be a critical milestone in the fight against Daesh.
The Canadian Armed Forces mandate is to train, advise, and assist the Iraqi security forces. This will enable them to take the fight to Daesh, defend their country and contribute to national and regional security.
