OTTAWA, Jan 5 (NNN-AGENCIES) – The Canadian-commanding NATO mission in Iraq, has suspended its training task, after a U.S. airstrike killed an Iranian commander, Canadian newspaper, The Globe reported.
A senior Canadian government official was quoted as describing the move as a “tactical pause.”
The NATO mission, run by Canadian General, Jennie Carignan, is reportedly a “non-combat, advisory and training” mission.
The suspension of NATO’s training mission, where 253 Canadians are involved, does not affect the U.S.-led Operation Impact, where Canada has approximately 600 soldiers servicing in Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan and Lebanon, as trainers and advisers.
Canadian Foreign Minister, Francois-Philippe Champagne, called on all sides to exercise restraint and pursue deescalation.
“Canada is in contact with our international partners. The safety and well-being of Canadians in Iraq and the region, including our troops and diplomats, is our paramount concern. We call on all sides to exercise restraint and pursue deescalation. Our goal is and remains a united and stable Iraq,” Champagne said.
Canada also urged its citizens in Iraq to consider leaving the country in updated travel advisory.
The United States urged its citizens in Iraq, to leave “immediately,” following the attack.
Iran vowed “harsh retaliation” against the U.S., for what Iranian President, Hassan Rouhani, called, a “heinous crime” after Soleimani was killed.
