International Mission renewed in light of global security and stability

The Canadian Government has renewed two Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) international missions in light of the increasing need for global security and stability. During the announcement made on Thursday, Defence Minister Anita Anand noted the two missions that have been renewed are Operation IMPACT and Operation Presence through March 2023.

“Our Canadian Armed Forces have been working with partners and Allies since 2014 to improve Iraqi security forces’ capabilities and providing training and capacity-building assistance to the Jordanian Armed Forces and the Lebanese Armed Forces. The extension of this mission means that CAF will continue to work with regional partners and NATO allies in these efforts through March 2023. I sincerely thank all of our CAF personnel deployed to the region for their important contributions to global peace and stability, and for representing the very best of Canada,” said Anand.

Operation IMPACT

Operation IMPACT is the CAF’s military operation in the Middle East. Since its launch in 2014, Operation IMPACT has provided training to 4,500 Iraqi Security Force members, over 3,400 members of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and 400 members of the Jordanian Armed Forces.

Additionally, under Operation IMPACT, Canada has contributed to the Global Coalition against Da’esh. In support of the Coalition, Canada trains, advises and assists operations with the Iraqi Security Forces. CAF forces also support in-theatre tactical transport, including casualty evacuations.

According to the Department of National Defence, the CAF’s presence in the Middle East supports regional partners’ security forces, improving security in the region. In addition, the international response against Da’esh has reduced the suffering of many vulnerable populations. Canada will continue to stand with its partners and Allies to help bring security and stability to the region.

Joint Task Force IMPACT headquarters continue to operate in Kuwait and include an Air Detachment comprising two CC-130J Hercules Tactical Airlift aircraft.

Op IMPACT Renewed

According to a Department of National Defence press release, the one-year renewal will “allow the CAF to continue to play an important role in Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon, helping to support peace and security. As part of the Global Coalition against Da’esh and NATO Mission Iraq, the CAF will continue to work with its partners and Allies to ensure the enduring defeat of Da’esh and to promote regional stability. The renewal of Operation IMPACT will also allow the CAF to continue to provide training and capacity-building assistance to the Iraqi Security Forces, the Jordanian Armed Forces and the Lebanese Armed Forces.”

A maximum number of 850 CAF members are approved to serve on Op IMPACT. Canada’s current contribution to the NATO Mission Iraq is 17 CAF personnel.

Operation PRESENCE

Operation PRESENCE is the CAF’s contribution to the Government of Canada’s United Nations peace operations strategy.

According to DND, “this renewal will enable the CAF to continue supporting Canada’s UN peace operations strategy through continued contribution of key military capabilities to United Nations peacekeeping missions.”

Under Operation PRESENCE 

• • Deploying and employing an Air Task Force in support of MINUSMA as part of Operation Presence – Mali;
  • Providing tactical airlift support to UN peacekeeping operations in Africa;
  • Providing training support to peace operations to assist the UN’s Engagement Platoon Initiative aimed at enhancing situational awareness of the UN infantry battalion by mapping the demography of the area of operations and helping identify vulnerable areas and at-risk populations.