Canada extends Iraq mission, approves strikes on IS militants in Syria
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 31 March 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Canada extends Iraq mission, approves strikes on IS militants in Syria, 31 March 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/552f9db515.html [accessed 20 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
March 31, 2015
Canadian lawmakers have voted to support the government's plans to bomb Islamic State militants in Syria – a move that opposition parties say will drag Canada into a long war.
The 142-129 vote in House of Commons was backed by the ruling Conservatives, who hold a majority of seats in the chamber.
The vote also approved the extension of Canada's six-month mission against IS militants by a year to the end of March 2016.
Canada has deployed about 70 special forces troops in northern Iraq and six Canadian jets are taking part in U.S.-led air strikes against Islamic State militants in Iraq.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper said last week that Canada also needs to strike against militant safe havens in Syria.
Canadian opposition lawmakers say the attacks in Syria will only help prop up the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
