Stag Special
Minister of National Defence Anita Anand has announced the Government of Canada has extended Op IMPACT until March 31, 2025.
Op IMPACT is the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) mission in the Middle East. Through this mission, the CAF are deployed to build the military capabilities of regional partners and set the conditions for stability and security in the region. Canada’s military efforts are diverse and include contributions to the Global Coalition against Daesh; contributions to NATO Mission Iraq; and contributions to building the military capabilities of Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon.
This extension will allow CAF to continue to play an important role in supporting regional partners in the advancement of peace and security.
“Our personnel deployed on Operation IMPACT are helping to advance stability and security in the Middle East. When I visited them in December, I saw directly how their presence makes a difference to our partners and Allies,” said Anand. “The Canadian Armed Forces contribute to the prosperity of the region and enhance security as well. With today’s extension, Canada is again demonstrating its commitment to our regional partners and NATO Allies.”
Op IMPACT will continue with the same mandate with CAF contributions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the military line of effort under the Global Coalition Against Daesh, and NATO Mission Iraq. The CAF will also continue to provide training and capacity-building assistance on a bilateral basis with the Jordanian and Lebanese Armed Forces and will continue to provide episodic airlift support to the Coalition from its Operational Support Hub in Kuwait.
The presence of CAF personnel in the Middle East, and the capacity-building assistance programmes, support our regional partners’ security forces, enhancing stability and security in the Middle East.
Quick Facts
• Since its launch in 2014, Op IMPACT has provided training to 4,500 Iraqi Security Force members, more than 3,400 members of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and 400 members of the Jordanian Armed Forces.
• In support of the Coalition, Canada conducts train, advise and assist operations with the Iraqi Security Forces and deploys personnel to enhance in-theatre tactical transport, including casualty evacuations, if required.
• Joint Task Force (JTF) IMPACT headquarters and the Operational Support Hub continue to operate in Kuwait. Op IMPACT includes episodic CC-130J Hercules Tactical Airlift support to move personnel and cargo in the joint area of operations.