The Canadian military dropped bombs on Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) positions in Iraq for the first time Sunday, in support of the U.S.-led coalition.
“Coordinated with our coalition partners, two CF-18s attacked ISIL [ISIS] targets with GBU12 227-kilogram laser-guided bombs in the vicinity of Fallujah,” Defense Minister Rob Nicholson said in a statement.
“All aircraft returned safely to their base.”
Nicholson declined to detail damage caused to the targets during the approximately four-hour mission, indicating that such details would be provided during a news conference Tuesday.
Canada conducted its first airstrikes in the anti-ISIS fight following two days of reconnaissance after joining the coalition on Thursday.
“Today’s strike demonstrates our government’s firm resolve to tackle the threat of terrorism and to stand with our allies against ISIS’ atrocities against innocent women, children and men,” Nicholson said.
“I thank all our men and women in uniform for their work on this important mission.”
In Syria, coalition aircraft hit ISIS positions in five separate strikes near the border town of Kobane over the weekend. The strikes struck five small ISIS units and destroyed three ISIS vehicles, according to U.S. Central Command.
The Canadian strikes came as French President Francois Hollande visited Canada. He was expected to discuss the conflict in Iraq with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
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