Canada’s Trudeau to end air strikes in Iraq, Syria

Special to WorldTribune.com

Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty

Canada will end air strikes targeting the Islamic State extremist group in Iraq and Syria and pull out six fighter jets within two weeks, Canada’s prime minister announced on February 8.

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau speaks as defence minister Harjit Sajjan, international development minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and foreign affairs minister Stephane Dion listen on Feb. 8. / Sean Kilpatrick / AP
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau speaks as defence minister Harjit Sajjan, international development minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and foreign affairs minister Stephane Dion listen on Feb. 8. / Sean Kilpatrick / AP

Justin Trudeau said Canada would end its bombing mission by February 22 but military personnel in the region will increase to 830 from the current 650 and provide planning, targeting, and intelligence expertise.

Canada will also keep two surveillance planes and refueling aircraft in the region.

“In any mission, you need to make choices. We can’t do everything,” Trudeau told reporters in Ottawa.

He said air strikes alone cannot bring long-term stability for local communities.

The government has also pledged to provide $718 million in development and humanitarian aid over three years for the Mideast region.

Trudeau won an election last October promising to pull out six jets that have been bombing targets in Iraq and Syria.

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