Canada suspends training in Iraq till situation becomes clear

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region--Canada has suspended its training and assistance program to the Kurdish Peshmerga and some Iraqi forces, the military said, pending clarity on tensions that have gripped the northern regions of Iraq in recent days.

“Given the fluidity of the current situation, Canada’s Special Operations Task Force has temporarily suspended the provision of assistance to various elements of Iraqi security forces,” the National Post quoted Canadian Forces spokesman Col. Jay Janzen.

At least 200 Canadian Special Forces are based in the Kurdistan Region where they have trained and assisted the Peshmerga in the war against ISIS.

The Canadian military says the program will resume once the situation becomes clear.

“Once more clarity exists regarding the interrelationships of Iraqi security forces, and the key priorities and tasks going forward, the Task Force will resume activities,” he said, as reported by the National Post. “In the interim, they will continue to monitor the situation and plan for the next potential phases of operational activity.”

The Iraqi army and Shiite militia of Hashd al-Shaabi attacked the Kurdish Peshmerga on multiple fronts in recent days. Both sides agreed to a ceasefire and deployment of federal troops to disputed areas, the government said.

The Canadian military announced in September following the Kurdish independence referendum that its training of the Peshmerga will continue as part of Canada’s contribution to the war against ISIS.

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