Estimated reading time 1 minute, 49 seconds.
The Government of Canada has announced that it will provide strategic airlift support for military supplies to Iraq from the Czech Republic. Under Operation IMPACT, the Canadian Air Task Force Iraq will begin operating from the Czech Republic, delivering Eastern European small-arms ammunition to Iraq to assist the Iraqi security forces protect civilians from the terrorist threat presented by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
Quick Facts
- The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), will commence airlift operations from the Czech Republic on Sept. 18, supplying Iraqi security forces with small-arms ammunition donated by the government of the Czech Republic to aid in their efforts protecting civilians from hostile acts by ISIL.
- The CAF continues to stage airlift operations from Albania as part of a multinational effort including the United States and the United Kingdom to provide effective protection to Iraqis facing ISIL aggression.
- As of Sept. 12, 13 flights have been successfully completed, delivering a total of approximately 503,000 pounds (228,000 kilograms) of military supplies to Iraq.
- The Canadian Air Task Force Iraq (CATFI) includes:
- One CC-130J Hercules cargo aircraft;
- One CC-177 Globemaster III transport aircraft; and
- Approximately 100 CAF aircrew, technicians and logistics specialists.
- CJOC is the CAF’s operational arm and is responsible for preparing and conducting military operations anywhere in the world as directed by the Government of Canada.
- Operation IMPACT is in addition to the humanitarian assistance Canada is already providing to Iraq.
