Canada airlifting ammunition to Iraq

OTTAWA, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Canada is providing airlift support for shipping military supplies from the Czech Republic to Iraq in the fight against Islamic State terrorists, the Department of National Defense said.

The airlift in what it calls Operation IMPACT is for small arms ammunition donated by the Czech Republic.

The airlift begins on Thursday.

"Working with our allies, Canada is promoting security and stability in Iraq in the face of the ISIL terrorist threat and is helping to lead the world's humanitarian response," said Minister of National Defense Rob Nicholson.

"I am proud of our men and women in uniform proving much-needed support to Iraqi security forces and protecting the lives of many innocent citizens threatened by ISIL's cowardly and unacceptable acts of terrorism."

The airlift is in addition to airlift operations Canada is conducting to Iraq from Albania as part of a multinational effort, which includes the United States and Britain. Canada said its forces have conducted 13 flights from Albania, delivering about 503,000 pounds of military supplies.

The Canadian Air Task Force Iraq utilizes one CC-130J Hercules cargo aircraft and One CC-177 Globemaster III transport.