OTTAWA — Canadian soldiers in Iraq have been ordered to temporarily suspend all operations with Iraqi and Kurdish forces following a series of battles between the two groups. Canadian special forces have provided training, advice and assistance to both the Iraqi military and Kurdish peshmerga for the last three years as part of the fight against Islamic State militants. Military officials said Friday that the Canadian Forces will continue to support the U.S.-led coalition fighting against ISIL through the provision of medical aid, intelligence and transportation. While Friday’s decision to suspend operations with Kurdish and Iraqi forces was unexpected, the fact the two sides have come to blows has long been predicted. “There are so many things that Canada can do,” she said, “We are appealing to Canada to play that role.”— Follow @leeberthiaume on Twitter.

Source: National Post October 27, 2017 19:36 UTC