Canada extends, shrinks its anti-ISIS military mission in the Middle East

Canada’s signature military mission in the Middle East is being both extended and downsized, the federal government announced Monday.

In a media statement, Defence Minister Anita Anand said Operation Impact, the anti-terrorism mission launched by the previous Conservative government to combat Islamic State extremists almost a decade ago, will continue until 2025. 

Most of the military’s efforts were focused in Iraq, but Canada also made contributions to building up the military capabilities of Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon.

The extension will allow the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to continue to play an important role in supporting regional partners in the advancement of peace and security, Anand said in the statement.

“When