Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Canada’s defence minister visits Iraq

Canada's defence minister visits Iraq | iNFOnews.ca
FILE PHOTO - Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan is welcomed by Karim Sinjari, Interior Minister of the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG), not pictured, upon his arrival to Irbil, northern Iraq, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015. Credit: AP Photo/Seivan M.Salim

BAGDHAD, Iraq – Canada's defence minister is visiting Iraq, just days after Canadian military forces helped push back a major Islamic State offensive.

Kurdish media are reporting that Harjit Sajjan spent Sunday in the town of Irbil in a visit that was not announced by the Canadian government in advance.

The Kurdish media outlet Rudaw didn't report specifically why Sajjan was in Iraq but images show him meeting with Kurdish officials in Irbil.

On Thursday, Canadian special forces personnel who are in Iraq in a non-combat training role laid down supporting fire to help repulse the ISIL offensive.

Canadian CF-18 fighter jets also pounded an ISIL position near Mosul.

The Trudeau government has announced it intends to withdraw the CF-18s from Iraq sometime in the new year and bolster the training mission.

News from © iNFOnews.ca, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

Howard Alexander

Assistant Editor Howard Alexander comes to iNFOnews.ca from the broadcasting side of the media business.

Howard has been a reporter, news anchor, talk show host and news director, first in Saskatchewan and then the Okanagan.

He moved his family to Vernon in the 90s and is proud to call the Okanagan home.

If you have an event to share contact Howard at 250-309-5343or email halexander@infonews.ca.

Related Articles