OP IMPACT Air-Task-Force Iraq Update

Since the end of the RCAF CF-18 Air campaign against ISIS, little news has surfaced about OP IMPACT until the recent news regarding CAF Special Forces facing mortar fire over the weekend; or the political implications of wearing the Kurdish flag on their uniforms.

As such, I figured it was about time to offer an update on Air-Task-Force Iraq.

According to the DND OP IMPACT webpage,

As part of the Government of Canada’s expanded contribution to multinational efforts to degrade and defeat the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) recently added three CH-146 Griffon helicopters, an all-source intelligence centre, and additional trainers to Operation IMPACT. Learn more.

Current Total of Aircraft sorties

• As of 28 May 2016, Air Task Force-Iraq has conducted 2332 sorties*:
• CC-150T Polaris aerial refueller conducted 462 sorties, delivering some 26,800,000 pounds of fuel to coalition aircraft; and
• CP-140 Aurora aircraft conducted 492 reconnaissance missions.

Definition - sortie: in air operations, a sortie refers to an operational flight by one aircraft. A sortie starts when one aircraft takes off and ends upon landing.

*This total includes 1378 sorties conducted by CF-18 Hornets between 30 October 2014 and 15 February 2016.

To keep the aircraft functioning properly in a desert environment, an aviation technician sprays down the wing and fuselage of a CP-140 Aurora in Kuwait during Operation IMPACT on April 4, 2016. Photo: CAF Combat Camera

Air Task Force-Iraq Welcomes New Commander

Article / April 8, 2016

By Joint Task Force-Iraq Public Affairs Officer

On April 8, 2016, Colonel Jason Major assumed command of Air Task Force-Iraq (ATF-I) from Colonel Shayne Elder in a change of command ceremony held in the sandy and windy Camp Canada in Kuwait, home of Joint Task Force-Iraq, the higher headquarters of ATF-I.

Brigadier-General James Irvine, Commander of Joint Task Force-Iraq, presided over the change of command ceremony.

Chief Warrant Officer Bill Hinchey (left), Air Task Force – Iraq Chief Warrant Officer, hands the senior appointment to Chief Warrant Officer Luigi Di Stephano as Colonel Shayne Elder makes the change over official during a ceremony in Kuwait on April 8, 2016. Photo: Op Impact, DND

“I want to take this opportunity to thank Colonel Elder for his exceptional leadership of the Air Task Force,” said Brigadier-General Irvine. “Over the last six months, he has led his personnel with care and dedication. I congratulate him for the very significant role that he has played in elevating Canada’s airpower reputation within the Coalition. I also would like to welcome Colonel Major to my team as the on-coming commander of Air Task Force-Iraq. I have known and worked with Colonel Major for more than a decade. A recognized airpower expert and an experienced senior leader, I know that he will lead the Air Task Force with distinction.”

Colonel Major joined the Canadian Forces in 1990. Before assuming command of ATF-I, he was Officer in Charge, Air Component Coordination Element – Atlantic. He has more than 5000 hours of military flying with combat experience in Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan.

“I am looking forward to the challenges that come with leading an expeditionary air task force alongside our Coalition partners,” said Colonel Major. “The troops I saw on parade today, from the aircrew to the maintainers and other support staff, are sharp and represent the finest airmen and airwomen the Royal Canadian Air Force has amongst its ranks.”

Colonel Elder had been Commander of ATF-I since October 19, 2015. In this role, Colonel Elder led the task force though the successful execution of CF-18 Hornet operations to halt and degrade the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL). He also led his team in CP-140 Aurora intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, and in CC-150 Polaris refuelling operations.

“It is with great satisfaction that I look back over all we have accomplished in our pursuit of ISIL and the provision of support to Coalition forces,” said Colonel Elder. “It is with regret that I depart this team but I am confident that Colonel Major will continue to lead these air warriors through many successful missions.”

Canada in Iraq: 33 Airstrikes by RCAF Since Election

Despite the looming stand-down of at least the CF-18 component of Air Task Force Iraq, the Liberal promise to bring home the CF-18s following the election has not slowed down the RCAF in its efforts to degrade ISIS's progress in Iraq. (Syria is another story completely - Canada has hardly been involved)

As of 15 December 2015, Air Task Force-Iraq conducted 1878 sorties:

• CF-188 Hornet fighters conducted 1201 sorties;
• CC-150T Polaris aerial refueller conducted 325 sorties, delivering some 19,056,000 pounds of fuel to coalition aircraft; and
• CP-140 Aurora aircraft conducted 352 reconnaissance missions.

While Stephane Dion said earlier in December that the Government's looming announcement of the CF-18 withdrawal from the US-Led Coalttion was "week away," Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan has said it will not be before the end of 2015. So the RCAF members supporting the CF-18s will be spending Christmas in Kuwait.

An RCAF CF-18 is refueled by an RCAF CC-150 Polaris over Iraq on November 7, 2015. Photo: CAF Combat Camera 

During the 2015 Election, the Liberals made it seem that if elected, one of the first actions they would announce was the end to Canada's participation in the bombing campaign. That has not happened, despite Prime Minister Trudeau's phone call to President Obama within 48 hours of being elected signalling the CF-18 withdrawal.

Since October 22nd, the RCAF has conducted 33 Airstrikes against various ISIS positions in Iraq. The RCAF airstrikes also played a role in the retaking of Sinjar from ISIS, and has been actively supporting Iraqi forces in their fight for Mosul.

The delay in announcing the CF-18 withdrawal seems to be around what exactly Canada's role in the fight against ISIS will be. Coalition Allies have asked Canada to keep its CC-150 Polaris and CP-140 Aurora aircraft in the campaign. The coalition needs the aerial refueling and surveillance capabilities more than it needs Canada's meager 6 CF-18 fighter jets. The rest of the coalition can make up the pin-sized hole that will be left when the CF-18 do eventually leave - which will be no later than March 2016 - as that is when the current mandate ends.

The surveillance is key to selecting targets for the Air Campaign, and Canada's surveillance aircraft have state of the art equipment that is capable of seeing at night and in poor weather.  As none of the US-led coalition allies actually have their fighters stationed in Iraq or Syria, refueling the fighters and bombers is key to ensuring their safe return; so the allies would prefer if Canada's tanker would stay in the region.

Perhaps Minister Sajjan is looking at if Canada could deploy additional CC-150s or CP-140s to help fill the obvious gap in capabilities for the coalition.

Canada is also planning an additional training mission - to boost the number of trainers on the ground in Iraq. No details have been made public about this process yet.

Opposition Motion Defeated: RCAF CF-18 Mission To End

Yesterday, member of the Official Opposition, Tony Clement brought forward a Motion for the House of Commons to keep the Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18's involved in the fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

The motion was easily defeated by the Majority Liberal Government;  104 YAYS to 220 NAYS.
There Liberal and NPD members voted against the motion; while the Conservatives and Bloq Quebecois voted for the motion.

The motion read as follows:

"That, given that ISIS has taken responsibility for recent deadly attacks in Paris, Beirut, and Africa, and has declared war on Canada, this House: (a) acknowledge that now is not the time for Canada to step back and force our allies to take on a heavier burden in the fight against ISIS; (b) remind the government of its obligation to our NATO partners and its responsibility to protect the freedom, democracy, safety, and security of Canadians; (c) call upon the government to maintain the air-combat mission of the RCAF CF-18 fighter jets; (d) express its appreciation to the members of the Canadian Armed Forces for their participation in the fight against terror; and (e) reconfirm our commitment to our allies to stop ISIS." 

If you wish to see how your MP voted, please see the Record of the Vote. 

Canada in Iraq: Canadian CP-140M Aurora’s Reach 300 Sorties against ISIS

Published by DND (Press Release)

Article / December 8, 2015

Force Protection note: The threats posed against deployed CAF members vary between geographic locations and change frequently over time. It is essential that the CAF thoroughly assess such threats and implement appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of deployed personnel. The CAF continually adapt these measures, including identity protection efforts, to the specific environment in which our personnel operate. Therefore, the need to protect the identities of deployed CAF members may differ between operations and over time.

A Member of the RCAF Long-Range Detachment directs a CP-140 Aurora while taxing in Kuwait, as part of OP IMPACT.
Photo: OP IMPACT - CAF Combat Camera

Written By: Long Range Patrol Detachment - Air Task Force – Iraq

The low-pitched drone of a Canadian CP-140M Aurora’s engines greets members of Air Task Force-Iraq (ATF-I) as it taxies under the hot desert sun. The sound is a familiar one at the airbase in Kuwait, as the mission marked the 300thsortie for the aircraft in the fight to halt and degrade the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

The Aurora’s role within the coalition is to provide an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance capability; the Aurora gathers accurate information that informs any decision to engage a target. This effort is supported by the members of the Long Range Patrol Detachment team, along with the Weapon System Management team and key enablers in Canada.

“Canada’s Long Range Patrol Detachment is proud to celebrate over 300 multi spectral, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions in support of Operation IMPACT. Aurora maintainers, aircrew, sensor operators, and communications suite personnel are providing vital assistance to coalition efforts to enable local security forces as they take the fight to ISIS,” said the Long Range Patrol Detachment Commander.

Before CF-18s can execute a strike on a target, a significant amount of analysis needs to be performed to ensure that the target is a valid military objective and, most importantly, that it conforms to the Law of Armed Conflict.

The Aurora’s ability to gather video and still images over an extended period of time allows intelligence personnel to build a picture of the tactical level situation at a potential strike location. The footage and imagery attained is reviewed to determine the movement of ISIS fighters.

One of the Aurora’s tasks is to maintain awareness of ISIS positions and determine if there is any civilian activity in the area. This information allows planners and coalition partners to assess the impact an airstrike may have on a given area. The Aurora is a key component in the targeting process and assists leaders in determining the risks associated with an operation and minimizing the risk to the local population.

The Long Range Patrol Detachment flew its first mission on October 30, 2014, following the announcement by the Government of Canada that it would contribute air assets to the Middle East Stabilization Force.

A little over a year later, the ground crew technicians are maintaining high mission completion rates despite working in extreme heat and blowing sand.

“It is definitely more challenging to work in a desert environment but we are adapting to the conditions,” said an Aurora maintenance technician from 19 Wing Comox, British Colombia. “We are proud to represent Canada and know we are providing a strong contribution to the coalition’s mission.”

Canada and Iraq: Polaris and Aurora Aircraft Likely to continue in Fight against ISIS

Written by David Pugliese 

The Canadian government is leaning towards keeping a military refuelling aircraft and Aurora surveillance planes overseas and allowing them to continue taking part in the war against the Islamic State.

The move would placate coalition allies, particularly the United States, who view the refuelling plane and the surveillance aircraft as valuable contributions to the ongoing air campaign.

The move would also allow Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to continue to say he is keeping his election promise of withdrawing Canada’s six CF-18 fighter jets. Trudeau promised to end Canada’s combat mission in Iraq and Syria by bringing the CF-18s home before March. Although Trudeau surprised many in his interview with BBC, when he told the reporter, "I am not opposed to bombing ISIS," but believes Canada can play a better role. ( ie. training)

Discussions about the fate of the Polaris refuelling aircraft and the two Auroras are still ongoing, but it is likely they will stay, sources say.

Trudeau has faced criticism for continuing to vow he will bring the CF-18s back to Canada even after the recent terrorist attacks in Paris. The Islamic State (ISIL) has taken responsibility for those attacks.

While the U.S. has large numbers of fighter jets available and has been doing the bulk of the bombing missions in Iraq and Syria, American commanders have said they need more aircraft capable of gathering intelligence.

The Auroras, originally designed for a maritime surveillance role, have been modernized to also collect intelligence about activities on the ground, as well as provide targeting information for warplanes.

It is not clear when an official decision on the Auroras and the refueller will be made. “There has been no decision taken to leave the non-combat assets in theatre,” Tina Crouse, a spokeswoman for Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, said Thursday.

Keeping the refuelling and surveillance aircraft in the war would open the Liberals up to criticism that they are still taking part in the combat mission since the role of such planes is to support fighter jets conducting airstrikes.

Trudeau has appeared to be easing up on his views about the role of air power in the war. He told the BBC he’s not opposed to the current bombing mission against ISIL, but believes Canada can contribute more effectively in other ways.

Canada’s options for a ground training mission in Iraq include possibly putting regular forces into the country to help instruct troops, or overseeing the creation of a Kurdish special forces unit to battle ISIL.

Over the years, the Canadian Army trained Afghan troops and Sajjan has pointed out that it has developed a reputation and skill for such missions. The drawback, according to some officers, is that it could take the Canadian Army up to seven months to field a significant training unit to Iraq.

Canadian special forces are continuing to train Kurdish troops in northern Iraq. One potential new mission could involve Canadian personnel helping oversee the creation of a Kurdish special forces unit. The Kurds currently do not have such a capability, which could be used for quick strike raids and covert operations against the Islamic State.

Members of the Canadian Special Operations Regiment in Petawawa have helped train Afghan special forces previously so such a mission would be a familiar one for that unit as well as for the Ottawa-based Joint Task Force 2 counter-terrorism unit.

Sajjan noted that without the proper training of Iraqi troops to take and hold ground, the effect of the bombing campaign is limited.

In an interview last week with the Citizen, Sajjan said the government will not be rushed into its commitment for training troops in Iraq but will instead ensure that whatever personnel are provided will have a positive effect on the battlefield.

He would not put a timeline on any option. “I don’t want to make this into a political expedient decision knee-jerk,” he added.

The Canadian Forces currently have around 69 special forces personnel in northern Iraq training Kurdish troops.

Air Task Force Iraq gets new Commander

Written by David Pugliese 

Brigadier-General James Irvine assumed command of Joint Task Force-Iraq (JTF-I) from Brigadier-General Lise Bourgon yesterday as part of a previously planned rotation for Operation IMPACT, the Canadian Forces announced.

Brigadier-General Irvine commands approximately 600 Canadian Forces personnel deployed on the Iraq/Syria mission.

JTF-I includes Air Task Force-Iraq (ATF-I) as well as planning teams and liaison officers working within the U.S.-led coalition.

Brigadier-General Irvine, a Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 Aurora pilot, has served in command roles at the crew, flight, detachment, squadron, and wing levels, including as Commanding Officer of 405 “Pathfinder” Squadron during Operation ATHENA in Afghanistan, according to a statement from the Canadian Forces. He recently served as Director of Plans at the Canadian Joint Operations Command. Brigadier-General Irvine was promoted to his current rank on October 19 of this year.

In addition, following a ceremony on October 19, at Camp Patrice Vincent in Kuwait, Colonel Shayne Elder assumed command of Air Task Force-Iraq (ATF-I) from Colonel Sean Boyle.

Canada in Iraq: RCAF Strikes 3 ISIS Positions near Ramadi

Written by The Associated Press

Two Canadian fighter jets successfully struck three Islamic State fighting positions near the Iraqi city of Ramadi on Tuesday, according to the Department of Defence.

The CF-18 Hornets struck the ISIS positions with precision-guided munitions during two separate airstrikes, the department said in a statement.

The Canadian aircraft are part taking part in the U.S.-led coalition campaign against ISIS. The airstrikes are being conducted in support of Iraqi security forces. 

A Royal Canadian Air Force Air Weapon Systems Technician, deployed as part of Air Task Force – Iraq, prepares munitions for loading to a CF-188 Hornet, at the Camp Patrice Vincent flight line in Kuwait, during Operation IMPACT on August 1, 2015. Photo: CAF Combat Camera - OP IMPACT KW02-2015-0163-001

Tuesday's airstrikes are the second round involving Canadian jets since the Nov. 13 terror attacks in Paris killed at least 129 people and wounded at least 350 others. ISIS has claimed responsibility for Friday's attacks in the French capital. The extremist group also claimed responsibility for twin suicide bombings in Beirut, which killed 43 people the day before.

After the terror attacks, many questioned whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would keep his election campaign promise to withdraw the jets before the end of the government’s previously set commitment of March 2016.

Trudeau reiterated his position on Monday, stating that Canada will focus its efforts on training local troops to fight ISIS, instead of continuing to participate in the air campaign. He added that Canada will increase the number of special trainers it has in Iraq, up from the current number of 69.

The prime minister's announcement came as French President Francois Hollande and U.S. President Barack Obama pledged to ramp up the assault against ISIS.

On Monday, Hollande spoke during a special session of Parliament, where he said the country was at war.

During the speech, he asked French lawmakers to vote on a bill extending the state of emergency for three months, and asked for changes to the constitution to help "destroy terrorism."

France has launched more airstrikes in the wake of the violence that rippled across Paris last Friday. Hollande said Monday that he would be meeting with Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin later this month to discuss how to combat ISIS.

Meanwhile, Obama acknowledged Monday that the attacks in Paris represented a "sickening setback," but said he won't commit to a large-scale presence of U.S. troops on the ground. He said sending in a large military presence would result in a permanent occupation in Syria and Iraq.

Currently, Canada has contributed six CF-18 Hornet fighter jets, two Aurora surveillance planes and approximately 600 Canadian Armed Forces personnel to the coalition.

Canada in Iraq: CF-18's to be Withdrawn by March 2016

For the first time since being elected on October 20th, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has finally put a rough timeline on the end of Air Task Force Iraq - saying yesterday that he will recall the CF-18 fighter jets before the current mandate ends at the end of March 2016.

Despite some pressure from G20 members on how the group can ramp-up pressure on ISIS, Trudeau is sticking to his election promise to withdraw from the air campaign. Trudeau believes that Canada can play a more important role in the fight against ISIS. Trudeau has called for an expanded role in training the Kurdish forces in Northern Iraq.

This is the first time the Prime Minister has set a timeline for bringing home the jet fighters. The end of March, 2016, is when a parliamentary motion on the ISIS mission which was passed by the former Conservative government expires, leaving as much as 4 1/2 months for the Canadian Armed Forces to prepare for the warplanes’ exit.

The Kurdish peshmerga troops, however, who are fighting ISIS in northern Iraq and are Canada’s main partners in the region, are now appealing to the Trudeau government for weapons and equipment.

“We hope that Canada will continue to play an important part in the coalition against [IS] and will provide weapons and training,” Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman, Kurdistan Regional Government representative to the United States, said in a statement to The Globe and Mail.

“The peshmerga are not equipped like a modern army and need everything, from basic tactical equipment to ammunition and arms to heavy assault vehicles. Weapons systems like the MILAN rocket have saved countless peshmerga lives. Battlefield medical kits, helmets, winter tactical gear, night-vision binoculars are in great need. Armoured vehicles are also critical to protecting Kurdish forces as we take the fight to [IS]. We also need medical training for frontline peshmerga and mine-clearance and counter-IED equipment.” 

Despite Trudeau's stance on the air campaign, he did take part in a closed door session of the G20 meeting Sunday, that went well past midnight local time. The United States, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and China were all part of the meeting on how to respond to ISIS. Many from around the world are calling for increased military efforts in the wake of Friday's terrorist attacks in Paris. 

Trudeau said to the media, no one asked him to reconsider his pledge to withdraw from the air campaign. 

France’s ambassador to Canada, Nicolas Chapuis, insists his country is not critical of Mr. Trudeau’s plan to withdraw CF-18s, noting that the Prime Minister is emphasizing Canada will remain committed to the effort against Islamic State through other means. Mr. Chapuis said other contributions, not just airstrikes, are welcome.

Opinion: Canada Should Keep CF-18's in Iraq

If you have not already discovered my personal bias from reading this blog when it comes to the military, and the use of force - well this post should finalize where I stand.

This post is my opinion - and my opinion alone - and should not be attributed to any other news source, or author that I have re-blogged at any point in time.

I blogged back in September that support for the continued deployment Air Task Force Iraq was needed. This post came before the 2015 Election that saw the election of a Liberal Majority government in Canada. I have no qualms about the outcome of the election - but with it came the promise to withdraw Canada from the US-led Coalition bombings of ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

I fundamentally disagree with this stance. ISIS needs to be degraded and ultimately defeated. While I can admit the air campaign has been extremely slow to show progress, it is making progress.

Need evidence of this success? Take a look at late last week - before the Paris Attacks. Air support was key in helping Kurdish and Peshmerga forces in retaking Sinjar, and helping gain control of the highway linking Sinjar, Iraq and Ah Raqqah, Syria - the defacto capital of ISIS.

Sinjar had been in the control of ISIS for the past year, and it has now been liberated. Mosul, is also almost completely liberated thanks to air support - an area where Canada has been highly active.

While the rest of the world is using fierce tones denouncing ISIS, and standing behind France militarily - Canada has remained largely quiet. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gave his condolences to the French people, and said Canada stands with France - but ignored the question about whether or not the attacks would change Canada's plans to withdraw from the air campaign. Giving Trudeau the benefit of the doubt (still within his first 100 days) - ISIS had not yet claimed responsibility when he gave his statement - but it has been close to 72 hours since the attacks, and ISIS has now claimed responsibility, and Trudeau has not spoken to the media since 8:30 PM EST Friday.

A member of his staff spoke without being named on Saturday and said the attacks have not changed the Liberal Party's plan to withdraw from the air campaign. Today, it was reported that Finance Minister Bill Morneau seconded this statement - the first official member of the Trudeau Cabinet to do so.  Personally, how or why the Finance Minister has any input on matters of National Security seems odd. Why was the statement not made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, or National Defence?

Morneau did say that Cabinet is looking at alternatives to how Canada can contribute to the coalition. He said that Canada is committed to the coalition, just not in the air campaign. That is largely what the coalition is about - bombing ISIS because no one wants to deploy ground combat forces. Trudeau called for an increase in Canada's training mission, mainly to Kurdish forces in northern Iraq, but that he would ensure CAF special forces members were further from the front lines.

While I am fully insuport of deploying more training forces - as Canada has a specialty in training foreign forces, we should keep our CF-18s in the fight. Yes, they have only contributed to less than 2% of airstrikes, but that is because they are less 2% of the fighter jets involved in the fight. Despite this, according to the Combined Joint task Force, Canada contributed to 4.9% of the 141 airstrikes since November 3rd.

According to DND as of 14 November 2015, Air Task Force-Iraq conducted 1747 sorties:

• CF-188 Hornet fighters conducted 1119 sorties;
• CC-150T Polaris aerial refueller conducted 305 sorties, delivering some 18,024,000 pounds of fuel to coalition aircraft; and
• CP-140 Aurora aircraft conducted 323 reconnaissance missions. 

That does not include the airstrike by two CF-18s yesterday near Haditha, Iraq. This was a very small contribution on Canada's part - all six CF-18s should have been out bombing yesterday. France deployed 10 fighters and dropped 20 bombs on ISIS, mainly around Ah Raqqah, Syria.  Canada has a few times bombed in Syria since the expansion of its mission. Yet the coalition is thankful we have expanded our role. The British Parliament still refuses to expand into Syria. The difference is in Britain the Paris Attacks have re-ignited the conversation on how to engage ISIS. 

I do not know if France will envoke Article 5 of the NATO treaty - but if they do, Canada might be required to do more than  just train Kurdish forces. Article 5 states that an attack on one member is an attack on all - and all are required to come to the defence of that member. France called the Paris attacks an "act of war." The two houses of the French Parliament are set to meet today for only the third time in the history of the French Republic. many expect the State of Emergency to be extended for 3 Months. We wait and see what else comes out of the meeting. 

No one will place blame on Prime Minister Trudeau for going back on his Election promise to end the air campaign in the wake of the Paris Attacks. Canada should keep our CF-18s in Iraq - at least until the end of the current mandate of March 2016, and reassess the situation at that point. 

If you feel the same way, push your MP to voice a concern, and keep Canada involved in the fight against ISIS. 

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the barbaric attacks in Paris on November, 13, 2015.  - Soliderité 

Canada in Iraq: RCAF Targets ISIS in Fight to retake Sinjar

While Justin Trudeau said that plans for the RCAF's withdrawal from the Air campaign in Iraq will be available in the coming weeks; the RCAF was part of the wider coalition fight to retake Sinjar, Iraq from ISIS. CF-18's struck two ISIS positions in the fight yesterday.

Map of Offensive from CCTV America (Not an endorsement of CCTV on the part of this webpage) 

In a release from DND, on 12 November 2015, while taking part in coalition airstrikes in support of Iraqi security forces and Kurdish Forces operations to clear ISIS from Sinjar and seize portions of a significant ISIS supply route between Ar Raqqah, Syria, and Mosul, Iraq, two CF-18 Hornets successfully struck an ISIS ammunition cache in the vicinity of Sinjar and an ISIS fighting position in the vicinity of Tal Afar using precision guided munitions.

Canada in Iraq: No Timeline for Air Task Force Iraq

So while the Liberal Government promised to end Canada's participation in the Coalition bombings of ISIS in Iraq and Syria - no timeline has been set. 

Written by CTVNews 

According to Canada’s top soldier says a timeline has not yet been set for the promised withdrawal of Canadian troops from the bombing mission against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria.

“We’re certainly working on it and all those details will come,” Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Jonathan Vance told reporters at the Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa on Wednesday.

Vance said he has discussed troop withdrawal with the new Liberal government. He said he has provided “confidential” advice to the cabinet and is “not in a position to share” details of those discussions. 

Minister of Defence Harjit Sajjan and General Jonathan Vance at the Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, ON. Photo: Canadian Press Adrian Wyld

 
Ending Canada’s participation in the combat mission against ISIS was one of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s election campaign promises.

Trudeau has said that Canada would still be engaged “in a responsible way,” likely in a training capacity to improve local troops’ ability to fight ISIS.

After he was elected, Trudeau said he told U.S. President Barack Obama in their first telephone conversation that he would be pulling Canadian troops from the combat mission.

Canada’s contribution to the fight against ISIS includes six CF-18 Hornet fighter jets, two Aurora surveillance planes and approximately 600 Canadian Armed Forces personnel.

As of Nov. 8, the Canadian troops have conducted more than 1,700 sorties – or operational flights – over Iraq since the mission began more than a year ago.

Canada in Iraq: 7 Airstrikes by RCAF in November

With the New Government officially sworn in, Air Task Force Iraq's days are numbered according to the most recent information coming out of DND. That news hasn't stopped the RCAF from continuing their fights against ISIS. 

On 5 November 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, two CF-18 Hornets successfully struck two ISIS compounds southwest of Sinjar using precision guided munitions.

On 6 November 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, two CF-18 Hornets successfully struck an ISIS fighting position in the vicinity of Ramadi using precision guided munitions.

On 6 November 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, two CF-18 Hornets successfully struck two ISIS fighting positions north of Fallujah using precision guided munitions.

On 7 November 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, two CF-18 Hornets successfully struck an ISIS fighting position southeast of Mosul using precision guided munitions.

On 7 November 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, two CF-18 Hornets successfully struck an ISIS fighting position south of Sinjar using precision guided munitions.

Canada in Iraq: RCAF CF-18s Pre-Halloween Strike

With Justin Trudeau, and his cabinet being sworn in on Wednesday, the looming stand-down of Air Task Force Iraq is assumed to be getting closer. 

That has not stopped RCAF CF-18's from continuing their fight against ISIS. 

On 30 October 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, two CF-18 Hornets successfully struck an ISIS fighting position northeast of Tal Afar using precision guided munitions.

Canada in Iraq: Two RCAF CF-18s Conduct Airstrike near Ramadi

Despite the looming stand down of Air Task Force Iraq, part of OP IMPACT; Canada is continuing its fight against ISIS. The RCAF CF-18s were at it again yesterday. 

The Information released from DND:
On 21 October 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, two CF-18 Hornets successfully struck an ISIS fighting position west of Ramadi using precision guided munitions.

Trudeau to Obama: RCAF to Leave Bombing Campaign

Article written by CNN's Jethro Mullen 

Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister-Elect in a 2013 photo in
Washington D.C. 

(CNN)Canada's new leader-in-waiting says he intends to follow through on his campaign promise to pull the country out of the U.S.-led bombing campaign against ISIS militants in Syria and Iraq.

Justin Trudeau, who led the Liberal Party to a stunning victory in elections Monday, said he has already told U.S. President Barack Obama of his plans.

"He understands the commitments I've made around ending the combat mission," Trudeau told reporters Tuesday, without giving a time frame for when Canada's airstrikes would stop.

Trudeau is expected to take office in the coming weeks, replacing Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who sent Canadian warplanes to carry out airstrikes against ISIS.

Canada's bombing raids started hitting the Islamic extremist group's positions in Iraq in November 2014 and expanded into Syria in April.

As of last week, Canada's six CF-18 Hornet fighters in the region had flown 1,048 sorties in the anti-ISIS operation, according to the military, which didn't specify how many of the flights involved airstrikes. Other aircraft have conducted hundreds of refueling and reconnaissance missions.

For a full list of Canada's OPERATION IMPACT Airstrikes, see here. 

Canada to 'engage in a responsible way'

Trudeau said Tuesday that Canada would remain "a strong member of the coalition" against ISIS but would "engage in a responsible way."

His party wants to provide more humanitarian aid in Iraq and Syria and for the Canadian military to take part in a larger training  role rather than bombing missions, CNN partner CBC reported.

The White House statement on the phone call between Obama and Trudeau didn't mention the Canadian leader's intention to withdraw from the air campaign. It said the two leaders "committed to strengthening the countries' joint efforts" on combating terrorism and other issues.

Other nations that have taken part in the U.S.-led coalition's airstrikes against ISIS include Australia, France and Britain as well as Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

As of early October, the coalition had carried out more than 7,000 strikes, nearly two-thirds of them in Iraq, according to the Pentagon. The U.S. military has conducted close to 80% of all the strikes.

Canada in Iraq: Will Oct 17th Airstrike be RCAF CF-18s Last?

With the Liberal Majority win in yesterday's historic Canadian election, the closing curtain is starting for Air Task Force Iraq.

Many have noticed a decline in RCAF airstrikes against ISIS during the election - perhaps for less media attention, or because they were getting read to end operations.

The last airstrike conducted by the RCAF CF-18s took place on October 17th, when two CF-18s struck an ISIS fighting position northeast of Tal Afar.

RCAF CF-18 fires ordinance during a training exercise. National Post 

With the Liberals public call for an end to the bombing campaign, and more effort put into training the Iraqi forces, the question becomes, will the October 17th strike be the RCAF's last? Perhaps the last shots fired in Combat for the CF-18s within the RCAF in general, as the Liberals plan to re-open the competition for replacing the CF-18, and have vowed not to buy the F-35.

No official word on the stand down of Air Task Force Iraq. I will post news on the developing aspects of OP IMPACT as I get the news.

Continue to Support for Air Task Force Iraq

You may know this already (perhaps because of this webpage) - but I am a strong supporter of the military. There have been recent calls for changes to Canada's contribution to the fight against ISIS. In Canada, our mission is titled, Operation IMPACT. The US led coalition name is Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.  We need to continue to support Air Task Force Iraq (ATFI)

Those who call for changes say Canada has only contributed to approximately 3% of coalition air strikes. They argue that 3% of strikes will not hurt ISIS - and therefore, Canada should withdraw our fighter jets (as both the NDP and Liberal's propose) and withdraw our Special Forces training mission (as the NDP propose). But when you look at the breakdown of military forces in the region, it becomes extremely clear why Canada has only contributed to about 3% of airstrikes...we have 1% of the forces involved. If you want more of a Canadian contribution, you have to be willing to deploy more Canadian assets.

I agree with both the Liberal and NDP calls for more humanitarian aid - Canada has a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) - that I believe could be deployed for a longer mission to the UN refugee camps being set up in Jordan or Turkey. The DART team does amazing work when they deploy to disaster zones; just look at what they were able to do in Nepal on a month long deployment.

But to those who want Canada to be a bigger contributor to the fight against ISIS (which I think we should be at least maintaining our current contribution) you need to be willing to deploy more Canadian assets.

Canada currently has the following assets in place to help the coalition against ISIS;
(Numbers of Aircraft only - not support personnel)

• 6 CF-188 Super Hornet Strike Aircraft 
• 1 CC-150T Polaris Areal refueller to support Canada and Coalition allies 
• 2 CP-140M Aurora Surveillance aircraft to target and examine airstrike effectiveness for Canada and Coalition allies. 
• Numerous trips with a CC-177 Globemaster III for transport of Goods to Canadian Forces, Coalituon Allies and military and humanitarian aid to Iraq. 

Between August and September 2014 - RCAF aircraft delivered 1.6 million pounds of military supplies to Iraq.  The donations from coalition allies included small arms, ammunition and other equipment. Military equipment was delivered to Security forces working in Baghdad and Erbil. 

As of August 12, 2015 - Air Task Force Iraq (ATFI)

• CF-188 Hornets have conducted more than 861 sorties, and more than 1000 Airstrikes 
• CC-150T Polaris has conducted more than 228 sorties, and delivering close to 14 million pouds of fuel to coalition aircraft 
• CP-140 Aurora aircraft have conducted more than 248 reconnaissance missions. 
• CC-177 Globemaster aircraft have conducted dozens of flights. 

Canada has close to 700 personnel deployed to Iraq - a relatively small number compared to out allies. Don't believe me? Take a look. (Some American breakdowns are not public) 

The USAF Assets in Iraq 

• Multiple B-1B Lancer Bombers operating out of Qatar 
• Dozens of F-22 Raptor Strike Aircraft 
• Dozens of F-15E Strike Eagles Aircraft
• Dozens of F-16C Fighting Falcons Aircraft
• Numerous F-16CJ Anti-Radar Aircraft 
• Numerous A-10C Thunderbolt "Warthogs" Close Air support aircraft
• Numerous KC-135 Stratotankers - areal refueling aircraft 
• Numerous KC-10 Extenders - areal refueling aircraft 
• Numerous C-130J Hercules strategic lift aircraft 
• Numerous Drones (Including MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper Attack drones) 

The US Navy Assets in Iraq 

• 12 F/A-18E Super Hornet Strike Aircraft 
• 22 F/A-18F Super Hornet Strike Aircraft 
• Between 20 and 24 F/A-18C/D Super Hornet Strike Aircraft 
• 5 EA-18G Growler Anti-Radar Aircraft 
• 4 EA-6B Prowlers Anti-Radar Aircraft 
• 4 E-2D Hakweye AWACS aircraft 
• 3 E-2C Hakweye AWACS Aircraft 
• Numerous SH-60B and SH-60F Seahawk Helicopters for support 
• 11 MH-60R Seahawk Support Helicopters 
• 2 C-2A Greyhound Strategic Transport Aircraft 

The US Marine Corps Assets in Iraq 

• 6 F/A-18 Super Hornet Strike Aircraft
• 10 F/A-18C (Navy) Super Hornet Strike Aircraft 
• 6 AV-8B Harrier Strike Aircraft 
• Numerous EA-6B Prowler Electronic Warfare 
• Numerous KC-130 areal refueling aircraft 
• 8 to 10 MV-22B Osprey Tilt-Rotor Assault aircraft 
• At least 4 AH-1Z Super Cobra Attack helicopters 
• At least 3 UH-1Y Hueys attack helicopters 
• At least 3 CH-53E Super Stallion Transport Helicopters 

Iraqi Air Force Assets 

• 3 Cessna AC-208Bs - Armed Scout Aircraft 
• 3 Cessna RC-208B - Reconnaissance Aircraft 
• 15 Su-25 "Frogfoot" Attack Aircraft 
• 6 Mi-35M "Hind" Attack Helicopters 
• 15 Mi-28NE Night Hunter attack helicopters 
• 19 Airbus EC635 Helicopters (Armed Scout) 
• 23 Bell 407 JetRanger Armed Scout Aircraft 
• 6 SA342 Gazelle Scout Helicopters 

French Air Force Assets in Iraq 

• 9 Rafales Reconnaissance/Attack Aircraft 
• 6 Mirage 2000D Attack Aircraft 
• 1 C135FR areal refueling aircraft 
• 1 Breguet Atlantique 2 Reconnaissance Aircraft 

Royal Australian Air Force Assets in Iraq 

• 6 to 8 F/A-18F Super Hornet Strike aircraft 
• 1 E-7A Wedgetail AWACS Aircraft 
• 1 KC-30A areal refueling aircraft 
• 1 C-17A Globemaster III Strategic Lift Aircraft 

Royal Air Force (Great Britain) Assets in Iraq 

• 8 Tornado Strike Aircraft 
• 1 RC-135W surveillance Aircraft 
• 1 Raytheon Sentital surveillance aircraft 
• Numerous MQ-9 Reaper Surveillance Drones  

Royal Danish Air Force Assets in Iraq 

• 7 F-16AMs Strike Aircraft 
• 1 C-130J Hercules Strategic Lift Aircraft 

Italian Air Force Assets in Iraq 

• 4 Tornado Tactical Recon aircraft 
• 1 KC-767A areal refueling aircraft 
• 2 MQ-1 Predator Attack Drones 

Royal Saudi Air Force Assets in Iraq 

• At least 4 Tornado IDS Strike Aircraft 
• Possibly 4 F-15S Strike Eagles 
• Numerous EF2000 Typhoon Multi-Role Aircraft 

Other Air Assets in Iraq 

• The UAE has at least 6 F-16s or Mirage 2000s deployed against targets in both Iraq and Syria
• The Royal Bahraini Air Force has at least 3 F-16s against targets in Syria
• Royal Jordanian Air Force has at least 3 F-16s against targets in Syria 
• Belgian Air Component has at least 6 F-16 involved active in Iraq 
• The Royal Netherlands Air Force has at least 8 F-16s active in Iraq 
• The US Army has numerous AH-64D Apache Attack Helicopters for security of the US Embassy in Baghdad. 
• The Iranian Air Force has possibly 4 to 8 F-4 Phantom IIs and possibly 5 Su-24MKs (They are however not part of the US Led Coalition) 
• The Royal Moroccon Air Force has 6 F-16s active in Iraq. 
• The Turkish Air Force have 3 F-16s operating against targets in Syria. 

So when looking at the overall air assets in place against ISIS it is no wonder the RCAF has such a small role to play. If critics of Operation IMPACT (or OP INHERENT RESOLVE) want Canada to play a larger role - deploy more aircraft. Canada could easily deploy another 6 to 10 CF-18s without compromising our Sovereignty flights. (This calculation is based on the fact that at the outset of OP IMPACT, Canada had 6 (with one spare) CF-18s involved in the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission in Eastern Europe. 

Continue to Support Air Task Force Iraq - are a small part of the overall picture, but they are making a difference.  

RCAF July 2015 Airstrike Update

An Update on the RCAF's Airstrikes against ISIS for July 2015. All in Iraq, with one in Syria.

On July 2, 2015 - RCAF CF-18s struck three ISIS fighting positions; one Northwest of Tal Afar; one Northeast of Tal Afar; and one in the vicinity of Sinjar.

On July 3, 2015- RCAF CF-18s struck three ISIS fighting positions; one in the vicinity of Sinjar; one Southeast of Mosul; and one Northwest of Mosul.

On July 4, 2015 - RCAF CF-18s targeted an ISIS fighting position Southeast of Fallujah.

On July 5, 2015 - RCAF CF-18s targeted an ISIS fighting position Southeast of Fallujah.

On July 10, 2015 - RCAF CF-18s targeted and ISIS fighting position Northeast of Fallujah.

On July 11, 2015 - RCAF CF-18s targeted two ISIS fighting positions; one Northeast of Fallujah; and one Southeast of Fallujah.

On July 12, 2015 - RCAF CF-18s struck an ISIS fighting position in the vicinity of Ramadi.

On July 15, 2015- RCAF CF-18s struck an ISIS fighting position Northwest of Tal Afar.

On July 16, 2015 - RCAF CF-18s struck an ISIS fighting position Northwest of Mosul.

On July 17, 2015 - RCAF CF-18s struck an ISIS fighting position Northwest of Tal Afar.

On July 18, 2015 - RCAF CF-18s struck two ISIS fighting positions; one within the vicinity of Ramadi; and another Northeast of Sinjar.

On July 19, 2015 - RCAF CF-18s targeted an ISIS transport vehicle Northwest of Tal Afar.

On July 21, 2015 - RCAF CF-18s targeted an ISIS fighting position Southeast of Haditha.

On July 22, 2015 - RCAF CF-18s targeted an ISIS fighting position Southeast of Mosul.

On July 23, 2015 - RCAF CF-18s struck and ISIS fighting position East of Mosul.

On July 24, 2015 - RCAF CF-18s struck an ISIS fighting position Northwest of Mosul.

On July 25, 2015 - RCAF CF-18s struck an ISIS staging area in Kirkuk.

On July 26, 2015 - RCAF CF-18s targeted two ISIS fighting positions in Sinjar and Tal Afar.

On July 29, 2015 - RCAF CF-18s struck an ISIS fighting position Northwest of Haditha.

On July 30, 2015 - RCAF CF-18s struck and ISIS compound and an ISIS fighting position Northwest of Haditha.

On July 30, 2015 - RCAF CF-18s targeted an ISIS compound in Al Qa'am

On July 30, 2015 -  RCAF CF-18s targeted an ISIS compound North of Al Bukamal, Syria.

Canada in Iraq: RCAF CF-18's Target ISIS near Mosul

DND announced today that yesterday, June 16, 2015, two CF-18 fighter jets, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi ground troops successfully targeted an ISIS fighting position North East of Mosul.

No further details were released.

As of June 15, 2015 - Air Task Force Iraq has completed 1,054 sorties.

An RCAF flight technician watches a CF-18 during pre-flight inspection at Camp Patrice Vincent, Kuwait. June 11, 2015. Photo: CF Combat Camera, OP IMPACT, DND