Canadian Armed Forces members are among the NATO personnel who have been safely relocated out of Iraq as the conflict between Iran and the U. S. and Israel continues to escalate. Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed on Friday that all Canadian military members and civilians who were part of the NATO Mission Iraq have been moved to a secure location and are safe.
The withdrawal is part of a broader adjustment by NATO, with personnel being relocated to Europe. General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe, stated the mission will continue its work from Joint Force Command Naples. The NATO mission in Iraq, established in 2018, focused on advising Iraqi defence and security officials to strengthen the country's security forces and counter the Islamic State group.
Minister McGuinty emphasized Canada's commitment to international peace and stability, stating, "As we continue to monitor the situation in the region, we call on all states to respect international law and uphold the fundamental principles of international prosperity and security". He added that Canada remains committed to supporting international peace in coordination with its partners and NATO allies.
The Department of National Defence confirmed that Canadian forces had no involvement in the planning or execution of the recent U. S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. Approximately 200 Canadian personnel are deployed across the Middle East in six separate operations. Furthermore, the department clarified that nearly three dozen Canadian military members on exchange with a U. S. Air Force division were not deployed to the Persian Gulf region.
