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QMI news agency reported earlier today about JTF2 snipers killing off ISIL members in Iraq. The report was quickly denied by the Canadian Forces as false. Here is what the DND issued:

Major-General Michael Hood, Director of the Strategic Joint Staff of the Canadian Armed Forces, issued the following statement:

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“Recent media reports have speculated that members of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) have directly engaged in sniper activity against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). This is not the case. CANSOFCOM’s role in Iraq is to provide training, military advice and assistance teams. Members in Iraq are working within a well-defined mission that was passed in the House of Commons. We have been clear that this mission does not involve ground troops in a combat role.

“CANSOFCOM is helping to provide Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) with military training such as shooting, movement, communications, and mission planning, as well as how to effectively employ their various weapons systems against ISIL.

“The support provided to the people of Iraq by the Canadian Armed Forces demonstrates Canada’s resolve to stand with our allies and make positive contributions to international security.”