OTTAWA – Canada will extend its commitment to maritime security in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean with ships and personnel for another four years, says Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan.
He says Operation Artemis, the latest incarnation of Canada’s contribution to a multinational security force in the area, will be extended until the end of April 2021.
The international task force deploys ships and surveillance systems to intercept shipments of weapons and narcotics in the region.
WATCH: Sajjan: Canada committed to peacekeeping despite lack of overall plan
Sajjan said the extension authorizes the Canadian Armed Forces to commit up to 375 personnel to the operation, send in a frigate once every two years and contribute an Aurora patrol plane once a year.
Canada will earmark up to $131.4 million to support the extension.
Get breaking National news
He says Canada has supported security in the area since 2001 under a number of operations and Canada just completed its third rotation in command of the maritime security task force.
- Osoyoos Band seeks return of sacred sites in discussions with B.C. government
- Record turnout expected for Penticton Peach Classic Triathlon, boosting local economy
- Mom and 1-month-old baby missing in northern B.C., not seen since July 9
- Hoekstra says Trump serious about tariff threat over wildfire smoke
In the last year, this task force seized and destroyed nearly 2,700 kilograms of narcotics and more than 3,000 weapons.
“The government of Canada’s renewed commitment to counter-terrorism efforts is vital to building a safer and more prosperous world,” Sajjan said in a statement.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.