OTTAWA — The Department of National Defence says Canadian fighter jets have struck another blow against Islamic State targets in Iraq.
A spokeswoman for Defence Minister Rob Nicholson says CF-18 fighter-bombers used a laser-guided bomb to hit an artillery position today near the city of Bayji, north of Baghdad.
Johanna Quinney says the airstrikes were being conducted in support of Iraqi forces conducting localized offensives in the area.
U.S. and coalition jets have been pounding the area in recent weeks, destroying bunkers, vehicles and least one anti-aircraft gun in recent days.
A technical briefing on the strike has been scheduled for Thursday.
In a statement, Nicholson acknowledged the fact that the strike took place on Remembrance Day as he thanked the military personnel taking part in Canada’s combat mission against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
“I commend the nearly 600 men and women in uniform for their tremendous work today in the international fight to degrade ISIL,” Nicholson said.
“This strike demonstrates Canada’s firm resolve to tackle the threat of terrorism and stand with our allies against ISIL’s atrocities against innocent women, children and men.”