Canadian Army considering small training mission to Tunisia

Canadian Army considering small training mission to Tunisia

DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN September 29, 2017

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The Canadian Army is looking at sending five soldiers to Tunisia to provide counter-terrorism training for that country’s military.

“As part of Canada’s Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program, Canadian Armed Forces personnel are looking at deploying to as part of an international effort to train other nations’ security forces to augment their ability to maintain security within their borders,” said Department of National Defence spokesman Daniel Le Bouthillier. “Though nothing has yet been confirmed, the training could occur as early as this fall and would comprise of courses covering Counter Improvised Explosive Devices, medical, sniper, tactical intelligence, tactical planning, and infantry skills.”

The DND did not confirm what country the soldiers would be sent to if the mission proceeds. But defence sources told Defence Watch that country is Tunisia. The deployment would be relatively short, lasting about a month.

Defence sources say the training is not linked to peacekeeping or peace support missions but is focused on counter-terrorism.

Canadian special forces have conducted similar training missions in the past to countries such as Jamaica. Those were also part of the counter-terrorism capacity building program.

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