Canada has suspended the mission by special forces soldiers to train Iraqi and Kurdish troops after rising tensions and clashes between the two rival forces. Janzen described it as a “prudent” decision by military leaders to ensure that Canadian troops are not caught in an “uncomfortable” situation. The announcement follows conflicting reports from the U.S.-led coalition that a ceasefire had been reached between Kurdish forces and troops deployed by Baghdad’s government. Iraqi forces, supported by Iranian-backed forces, mounted a surprise take-over of Kurdish-controlled Kirkuk earlier this month in retaliation and to ensure the oil-rich district remains in their control. Canadian forces had been assisting Iraqi security forces to retake the nearby city of Hawija from Daesh.

Source: thestar October 27, 2017 21:49 UTC