Canadian CF-18s Stop Bombing Missions in Iraq, Syria

Canada ended airstrikes against Daesh (ISIL) radicals in Iraq and Syria, conducted as part of international US-led coalition efforts.

Last week, Canada announced that it would conclude airstrikes against Daesh in the next two weeks, but would continue supporting the US-led coalition by providing aircraft for refueling and surveillance purposes.

“In accordance with Government of Canada direction, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) ceased airstrike operations in Iraq and Syria on 15 February 2016,” the Canadian Armed Forces said in a statement on Wednesday.

According to the statement on the Canadian government website, Canada’s planes conducted over 250 airstrikes in Iraq and Syria combined starting from October 2014, Sputnik News reported.

“The six CF-188 Hornets, along with associated aircrew and support personnel, will depart the region in a phased approach in the coming weeks. The CC-150 Polaris and CP-140 Aurora aircraft will continue to conduct air-to-air refueling and aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in support of coalition air operations,” the statement says.

Canada has been conducting airstrikes in Syria and Iraq in coordination with the US-led coalition since 2014.