No Canadian casualties reported after missile attack on Iraqi bases

OTTAWA (CP) – Canada’s chief of defence staff says no Canadian Armed Forces troops were hurt by the barrage of Iranian missiles that hit targets in Iraq.

General Jonathan Vance told military families on social media that all Canadian troops are safe and accounted for following the missile attacks.

Vance also says the military remains vigilant.

According to U-S authorities, about a dozen ballistic missiles targeted Al-Asad airbase near Baghdad and the northern city of Irbil, in the part of Iraq controlled by the country’s Kurdish minority.

Canadians have long been in Irbil, working with Iraqi troops and maintaining a helicopter unit, and Canada has a diplomatic presence there as well.

Hours before the Iranian missiles hit the Canadian Forces had started to move troops out of the country.

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan and other Canadian government leaders said they are monitoring the situation.

Glad that all @CanadianForces personnel in Iraq are safe. We will continue to monitor the situation and continue to take all necessary precautions for the safety and security of our civilian and military personnel. https://t.co/XbC8UnzKTP

— Harjit Sajjan (@HarjitSajjan) January 8, 2020